Trump's Acknowledgment of Morocco's Honor

On July 26, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to extend his heartfelt gratitude to King Mohammed VI of Morocco following the naming of a significant highway in his honor. Trump expressed his appreciation, stating, "Thank you to Highly Respected Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco — such a great honor," while sharing a video showcasing the newly designated "President Donald J. Trump" highway. The highway, which spans an impressive 1,055 kilometers (approximately 655 miles), stretches from Tiznit to Dakhla, a city located in the disputed territory of Western Sahara. This gesture not only highlights the personal connection between Trump and Morocco's monarchy but also emphasizes the robust diplomatic relationship between Washington and Rabat.

Morocco boasts the distinction of having the longest unbroken treaty of friendship with the United States, a relationship that dates back to 1786. This historical bond has evolved significantly, especially following a pivotal moment in December 2020, when Trump issued a proclamation recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This recognition came as part of a broader agreement in which Morocco committed to normalizing relations with Israel, ushering in a new era of diplomatic engagement.

The Ongoing Western Sahara Dispute

The situation in Western Sahara remains a central issue in North African diplomacy, with Morocco proposing a broad autonomy plan for the region under its sovereignty. However, the Polisario Front continues to advocate for a referendum to determine the territory's self-determination, a stance that has garnered support from Algeria. Recently, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that efforts are underway to facilitate a mediated settlement between Morocco and Algeria, as the international community seeks to address this long-standing conflict. Additionally, the UN Security Council has adopted a resolution backed by the U.S. that supports Morocco's autonomy proposal, highlighting the ongoing international interest in resolving the dispute that has its roots in Spain's departure from colonial rule in 1975. The conflict escalated into armed confrontations between Morocco and the Polisario Front until a ceasefire was established in 1991.

As reported by aa.com.tr.