Rabat – Christopher Landau reaffirmed Washington’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara on Wednesday, stressing that the conflict, which has lasted since 1975, has gone on for far too long and requires a timely resolution.
“We are looking toward a peaceful resolution of this, but also a resolution that is timely, because this situation cannot wait another 50 years or 150 years or 200 years to be resolved. That is ridiculous,” Landau said during a press conference at Morocco’s Foreign Ministry headquarters in Rabat.
He added that efforts are continuing within the framework of the latest U.N. Security Council resolution to reach a peaceful settlement, emphasizing that “these kinds of conflicts” should not outlast human lifetimes.
The visit comes as Morocco and the United States approach nearly 250 years of diplomatic relations, dating back to 1777, when Morocco became the first country to recognize U.S. independence.
Landau said there are “many opportunities for win-win cooperation,” particularly in trade and investment, as Morocco continues to strengthen its economy and position itself as one of the region’s most dynamic economies. He noted that the United States has the capital and expertise to help Morocco realize its full economic potential, especially through investment in human capital and strategic sectors. The deputy secretary also highlighted Morocco’s political stability and the certainty it offers to American investors.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the visit comes at a time when Moroccan-American relations are in a strong and dynamic phase, supported by the shared vision of the king Mohammed VI and Donald Trump. He said the U.S. position on the Moroccan Sahara since 2020 marked a turning point in bilateral relations, with Washington now supporting a final resolution based on Morocco’s autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty.
“The United States is an important strategic and political partner for Morocco across all sectors,” Bourita said, adding that the relationship is built on shared values, common interests and sustained dialogue at multiple levels. Bourita also said Morocco supports President Trump’s peace initiatives in the Middle East, Africa and the Gulf, and was among the first countries to back the creation of a peace council. “We see it as a valuable mechanism for promoting peace and stability at both regional and global levels,” he said.
He added that trade and investment between Morocco and the United States have reached record levels, increasing sevenfold since the Free Trade Agreement entered into force. Preparations are also underway for the ninth session of the Joint Committee under the agreement, which Bourita described as “the only U.S. free trade deal with an African country”.
BY: The Times Union
