Morocco's Strategic Decision to Recognize U.S. Independence
Taj al-Din al-Husseini, an expert in international relations, emphasized that Morocco's early recognition of the United States' independence was not merely a fleeting diplomatic gesture; instead, it represented a strategic sovereign decision that laid the groundwork for an extraordinary relationship between the two nations, which has persisted for over two and a half centuries. This relationship continues to cast its influence on various aspects of political, military, and economic cooperation to this day. During an episode of the strategic program 'Aba'ad Istrategiya' aired on Hespress, al-Husseini highlighted that the United States is currently celebrating the 250th anniversary of its independence, a milestone that brings to light a significant historical moment where Morocco became the first country in the world to recognize the independence of the U.S. in 1777, merely one year after the declaration of independence, through a decree issued by Sultan Muhammad bin Abdullah, famously known as Muhammad III.
The Impact of the Treaty of Friendship and Peace
Al-Husseini pointed out that this recognition was not the result of negotiations or a prior diplomatic agreement; rather, it stemmed from a long-term strategic vision adopted by the Sultan, who aimed to expand Morocco's trade relations with global powers, particularly France, Britain, and Spain, while safeguarding the vital interests of the kingdom, independent of European alignments and balances. This Moroccan decision was practically manifested by allowing American-flagged ships to enter Moroccan ports and benefit from protection, classifying them as friendly vessels. This marked the first practical acknowledgment of the emerging American state and solidified Morocco's position as an early partner of the United States. This historic initiative culminated nearly nine years later with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Peace in 1786 between Sultan Muhammad bin Abdullah and the United States, which was later ratified by President George Washington, making it one of the oldest diplomatic treaties still in effect in American history. The treaty established principles of free trade, ship protection, maritime cooperation, and the safety of citizens, leveraging Morocco's strategic location as a gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Al-Husseini noted that Morocco's precedence in recognizing American independence positively influenced the trajectory of bilateral relations throughout various historical phases. He highlighted that President Franklin Roosevelt expressed support for Morocco's right to independence during a meeting with the late King Mohammed V shortly before the end of World War II. Furthermore, several U.S. presidents have continued to praise this historic initiative, including John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama, who confirmed that the documents pertaining to Morocco's recognition and the Treaty of Friendship are preserved in the American archives. President Joe Biden also remarked that Morocco, as a Muslim nation, was the first to recognize the independence of the United States, showcasing a long-term strategic vision. Al-Husseini emphasized that the principles established by the Treaty of Friendship have become foundational to Moroccan-American partnership, evident in the signing of a free trade agreement, Morocco's designation as a major non-NATO ally of the United States, the initiation of regular strategic dialogue between the two nations, and ongoing military cooperation through exercises like 'African Lion' and joint maneuvers with NATO.
Moreover, al-Husseini pointed out that former President Donald Trump viewed the U.S. recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara region as a form of 'payback' for the historical Moroccan initiative of early recognition of American independence, suggesting that this historical backdrop has contributed to strengthening the trust level between the two nations. He concluded by asserting that Moroccan-American relations have evolved beyond mere bilateral aspects, now encompassing cooperation on regional and international security issues, which reflects Morocco's contributions to international stability initiatives, including the Peace Council. This evolution illustrates the depth of the strategic partnership established nearly 250 years ago, which has continued to develop based on shared interests and a long-term vision.
As reported by hespress.com.
