Trump Honors King Mohammed VI with Highway Dedication
On July 26, 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed his gratitude to King Mohammed VI of Morocco for naming a significant highway after him. This 1,055-kilometer highway connects Tiznit in southern Morocco to Dakhla at the southern tip of Western Sahara, and Trump described this tribute as a "great honor." In a message shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, he conveyed his eagerness to travel the length of this expansive roadway, stating, "I hope it is soon."
The decision to dedicate the highway to Trump is seen as Morocco's response to his administration's recognition of Western Sahara as Moroccan territory in December 2020. This recognition was a pivotal moment in U.S.-Morocco relations and was part of a broader diplomatic strategy during Trump's presidency. The construction of this highway, which represents a $1 billion investment, symbolizes Morocco's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering economic growth in the region.
Starting from Tiznit, located approximately 600 kilometers south of the Moroccan capital, Rabat, the highway traverses nearly the entire length of Western Sahara, passing through its capital, Laayoune. In a video accompanying his message, Trump reflected on the historical ties between the United States and Morocco, noting that Morocco was the first nation to recognize the U.S. in 1777. This recognition was formalized with the Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed in 1786, establishing what Trump referred to as "the oldest uninterrupted diplomatic relationship" in U.S. history.
The President Donald J. Trump Highway, one of Africa's longest highways, is expected to bolster connectivity and economic activities in the region, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.
As reported by 20minutos.es.
