Morocco Names Highway After Donald Trump
In a significant gesture of goodwill, Moroccan King Mohammed VI has officially named a newly constructed expressway after former U.S. President Donald Trump, reflecting what he describes as a "deep appreciation" for Trump's support of Morocco. The highway, which stretches 1,055 kilometers (approximately 660 miles) and connects the city of Tiznit with Dakhla in the disputed region of Western Sahara, represents a substantial investment of around US$1 billion (approximately S$1.28 billion). This monumental decision was communicated through a letter to Trump, as reported by state news agency MAP, which highlights the king's gratitude for Trump's pivotal role in recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara during the latter part of his presidency in 2020.
The recognition by Trump has been seen as a turning point in Morocco-U.S. relations, fostering a closer alliance between the two nations. King Mohammed VI emphasized that Trump's acknowledgment of Morocco's claim over Western Sahara is a historic milestone that will be remembered by Moroccans for years to come. In his letter dated July 2, the king expressed that the act of naming such a significant infrastructure project after Trump serves not only as a token of friendship and peace but also as a personal expression of gratitude for the unprecedented momentum it has provided to the bilateral relations between Morocco and the United States.
Western Sahara, a territory rich in resources and comparable in size to the United Kingdom, has been a contentious area since Spain relinquished control in 1975. It is currently claimed by Morocco as well as an independence movement supported by Algeria, leading to ongoing disputes over its status. The United Nations has designated Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory, which further complicates the geopolitical landscape in the region. Trump's decision to endorse Morocco's claim was part of a broader diplomatic deal that also involved the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel, solidifying Morocco's role as a key ally of the United States in North Africa.
As reported by straitstimes.com.
