Trump Expresses Gratitude for Honorary Highway Naming
On July 26, 2023, U.S. President Donald Trump conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to King Mohammed VI of Morocco for naming a significant highway after him. This extensive 1,055-kilometer highway, which connects Tiznit in southern Morocco to Dakhla at the southern tip of Western Sahara, has been recognized by Trump as a tremendous honor. In a message shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, he expressed his eagerness to one day travel the length of this remarkable highway, stating, "I hope it will be soon."
The decision to name this highway, which represents a $1 billion investment, comes as a gesture of gratitude from Morocco in light of Trump's pivotal decision during his first term in December 2020 to officially recognize Western Sahara—as claimed by the Polisario Front—as Moroccan territory. This recognition has been a significant point of contention in international relations regarding the region.
Stretching from Tiznit, approximately 600 kilometers south of Rabat, the new highway traverses nearly the entire length of Western Sahara, passing through its capital, El Aaiún. Alongside his message on Truth Social, Trump shared a video highlighting the historical ties between Morocco and the United States, noting that Morocco was the first nation to recognize the U.S. back in 1777. This recognition was followed by the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship nine years later, establishing what remains the longest unbroken diplomatic relationship in U.S. history.
The President Donald J. Trump Highway, recognized as one of the longest highways in Africa, is characterized in the video as creating new continuity across Morocco's southern provinces, linking the Atlantic coast with the broader African continent. Furthermore, as part of Morocco's Royal Initiative to provide Sahel states access to the Atlantic Ocean, this new highway reinforces the connection between these countries and solidifies the Sahara provinces as a strategic gateway between Africa and the global community.
Construction of the Tiznit–Dakhla highway began in 2015 as part of a royal program aimed at developing the southern provinces and Western Sahara. The project is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity and development.
As reported by es-us.noticias.yahoo.com.
