Downtown Africa
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to make a diplomatic trip to Morocco in early December, the senior official announced at a recent press briefing.
Pompeo said that he plans to visit one of the US’ strongest partners, referencing the North African country.
“I look forward to reviewing our countries’ strong economic and security partnership and discussing future areas of cooperation,” he said.
The visit of the senior US official will follow his participation at the NATO summit of heads of state and government, due to take place in London from December 3-4.
President Donald Trump will also attend the summit.
Pompeo’s announcement comes after a recent meeting the US top official held with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita in October.
The meeting was part of the US-Morocco Strategic Dialogue in order for the two high level officials to discuss all potential areas of corporations and means to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In a joint press release following the meeting, Pompeo expressed full satisfaction with the “leadership” of King Mohammed VI in promoting a “bold and far-reaching reforms over the last two decades.”
Pompeo also appreciated the “precious support” Morocco provides for the causes of peace, security, and development.
Both the US and Morocco reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating trade as part of the Rabat and Washington Free Trade Agreement.
The two countries signed the agreement on June 15, 2004. However the agreement did not come into effect until 2006.
The trade agreement improved trade cooperation between the two countries.
The US has a strong economic presence in Morocco, represented by more than 120 companies
The US and Morocco launched the Strategic Dialogue for the first time on September 13, 2012. Within the dialogue sessions, senior US and Moroccan officials meet regularly to discuss issues in four main areas: politics, economy, security, and educational and cultural affairs.
