Morocco-U.S. 225-year Partnership Recognized in U.S. Senate, by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ (Morocco On The Move) -- Yesterday, Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA)  recognized the 225^th anniversary of the ratification of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco before the U.S. Senate.  This followed commemoration by U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, of America's longest standing treaty with Morocco, which celebrated its National Day this week, honoring His Majesty King Mohammed VI's thirteen years of leadership.

"It is important to extend our warm congratulations to His Majesty King Mohammed VI as well as to the people of Morocco on the anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship," remarked Senator Casey, saying the treaty "set the stage for continued and sustained engagement between our two countries."

Senators were also reminded of President George Washington's words to Morocco's Sultan Mohammed III in a letter following the treaty's ratification by the U.S. Senate on July 18, 1787, which acknowledged the challenges facing the fledging American nation but pledged that "[...] our soil is beautiful, and our people industrious and we have reason to flatter ourselves that we shall gradually become useful to our friends."

Senator Casey noted that Morocco, the first country to recognize U.S. independence in 1777, was also "one of the first nations to express its solidarity with the United States [after the attacks of 9/11] and immediately renewed its commitment as a strong ally to combat terrorism."

"This year, we mark 225 years since our two nations ratified a treaty of peace and friendship – the longest unbroken treaty in United States history," said Secretary of State Clinton on Monday in a statement marking Morocco's National Day. "Together, we are working to expand trade, increase cultural and educational exchanges, and strengthen security in the region. This relationship will continue to strengthen as we work toward our common goals."

Click here for the statement by Senator Casey from the Congressional Record and here for the statement by Secretary Clinton.

For more about Morocco-U.S. relations, visit www.moroccoonthemove.com and follow us on Twitter - @MorocOnTheMove

The Moroccan American Cultural Center (MACC) is a not-for-profit 501 c(3) organization which works to build stronger cultural and educational ties between Morocco and the U.S. through its support of programs that enhance bilateral relations and cooperation.  Created in 2003 as an initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, MACC has undertaken a range of projects which include hosting events that celebrate and share the rich diversity of Moroccan culture, and supporting programs that enhance cultural and educational ties between the U.S. and Morocco as well as across the Maghreb.  For more information, go to www.moroccoonthemove.com.

SOURCE Morocco On The Move