From Tangier to Dakhla, we stand with Morocco

The following remarks were delivered by U.S. Ambassador Buchan III on the occasion of the opening of the new U.S. consulate compound in Casablanca.

Massa El Khier, Bonsoir, Good evening.

It is a profound honor to stand here tonight as we open this beautiful new consulate, a lasting symbol of nearly 250 years of friendship between the United States and Morocco. This is more than a new building. It is a statement in stone, steel, and tile of that partnership and America’s enduring ties to the Kingdom of Morocco.

I want to thank Your Excellency Fouad Ali El Himma, Advisor to His Majesty the King; His Excellency Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General and Commander of the Southern Zone; His Excellency Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion; His Excellency Mohamed Mhidia,Wali of Casablanca -Settat region; Mr. Abdellatif Mazouz, President of the Casablanca Settat Region, Ministers, distinguished members of the Government; honored guests; ladies and gentlemen for being here tonight to celebrate this historic milestone.

Thank you also to the generous donors whose support helped make this event possible. Without Consul General Marissa Scott, Deputy Chief of Mission Benjamin Ziff, and the hard work and dedication of the Mission Morocco team we would not be here today. How about a round of applause for our tremendous team that made this happen. We will miss Consul General Scott as she departs this summer.

I first came to Morocco as a college student. I stayed in a youth hostel in Tangier over 43 years ago. I have traveled to this beautiful and fascinating country many times since. Back then, I was just trying to find the perfect carpet that I could barely afford. Some things have not changed. I’m still always looking for more beautiful carpets, but now I have the privilege of representing my country at this historic moment.

That is a deeply personal honor for me. Thank you, President Trump. Thank you, His Majesty Mohamed VI. Thank you, Morocco.

Morocco is home to America’s oldest diplomatic property, the American Legation in Tangier. Almost 250 years old. Today, we open America’s newest diplomatic facility in the world here in Casablanca. Morocco is now home to the oldest U.S consulate in the world and now the newest. Two buildings. One unbroken story.

From Tangier to Dakhla, the United States stands with Morocco and supports its vision for stability, development, and sovereignty.

The Treaty of Friendship between our nations, ratified in 1787, is the longest continuous treaty in American history. Minister Delegate Loudiyi and I viewed the original signed copy in Washington last week – an incredible piece of history, and a bond dating from before our Constitution was written.

America has invested over $350 million dollars in this beautiful state of the art consulate complex. Combined with the Embassy in Rabat, the United States now has over $500 million dollars invested in Morocco in government buildings with over 1,000 people working for U.S. Mission Morocco. That’s what real commitment looks like. The most of any other country in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Morocco is a friend to the United States and so many others. An ally. A partner. Our longest, strongest, and most dependable ally in the region is Morocco. We count on Morocco. Morocco counts on us. From Tangier to Dakhla, we stand with Morocco. President Trump is clear in his support for Moroccan sovereignty for the Moroccan Sahara. After 50 years, the status quo needs to change as soon as possible. The time to resolve this historical dispute is now, today, not tomorrow. The window will close. We owe it to all the people of this region. The path to peace is clear: Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal is THE only solution.

The United States is leading that change. We are actively engaging all parties towards a final agreement. Next week, for the first time, U.S. and Moroccan doctors will be providing medical care to the people of Dakhla as part of African Lion – the largest military exercise in Africa. In fact, I will be in Dakhla next week to see these opportunities for progress firsthand.

Those resisting the resolution of this 50-year-old dispute should grasp this moment for inclusive peace and prosperity. Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal provides that opportunity, along with genuine autonomy. The United States is moving forward in the Moroccan Sahara and will continue to do so.

There is a reason Morocco’s economy keeps growing. In an unstable and uncertain world, Morocco stands as a pillar of stability and forward thinking—reliable, certain, and demonstrating smart reforms.

Most importantly, this progress comes from the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Morocco has become – rightly – a hub for investment, innovation, and opportunity.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI has paved a powerful path for this country. A path rooted in infrastructure, connectivity, and opportunity. Ports. Trade corridors. Digital networks. New links to Africa and beyond. It is a path built on confidence.

From Tangier to Dakhla, the United States is here and stands with Morocco in support of this vision,

The future depends on trusted technology. The networks Morocco is building must be secure and resilient. In today’s world, digital infrastructure is sovereignty. American technology assures Morocco builds that future with confidence.

Our partnership is broad. It is built on security, commerce, innovation, and shared purpose. It grows stronger because we continue to invest in each other.

And speaking of investment, Morocco has made extraordinary investments in infrastructure—investments the world will see on display in 2030. As Morocco prepares to face Brazil on June 13 in this year’s World Cup in New Jersey, let me simply say: we wish the Atlas Lions the very best of luck. I know who I will be rooting for – and it is not Brazil!

From Tangier to Dakhla we stand with Morocco."

Read my full remarks from the opening of our new Consulate in Casablanca: https://t.co/mRcFwMa0DK pic.twitter.com/z7SGbfhUcm

— Ambassador Duke Buchan (@USAmbMorocco) April 30, 2026

Morocco has joined with us at every turn. America is meeting Morocco here today, in Casablanca. And we stand with Morocco everywhere and express our firm support again for Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal as THE only way to ensure a better future for the Sahrawi people.

Tonight, as we celebrate this new chapter in our shared story, I close with a simple thought —thank you. Choukran, God bless the United States of America, and God bless His Majesty and the Kingdom of Morocco.