Opinion - 250 years later, America’s ties to its first and oldest friend are getting even stronger
In 1777, Morocco became the first nation to recognize the United States. I was reminded of that history not in a textbook, but in the Pentagon, seated across from senior American defense officials, as our two countries recently concluded a new 10-year Defense Cooperation Roadmap.
In 1777, Morocco became the first nation to recognize the United States. I was reminded of that history not in a textbook, but in the Pentagon, seated across from senior American defense officials, as our two countries recently concluded a new 10-year Defense Cooperation Roadmap. In that room, the past did not feel ceremonial — it felt active.
From April 14 to 16, acting on Instructions from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, a Moroccan delegation took part in the Morocco-U.S. Defense Consultative Committee here in Washington. The meetings were detailed and forward-looking. They were not about preserving a relationship for history’s sake. They were about preparing it for the next decade.
The roadmap we concluded, covering 2026 to 2036, expands cooperation in defense industry development, cybersecurity, advanced technologies, and deeper operational integration. It gives structure to what has already become one of the most reliable defense partnerships the U.S. has on the African continent.
A framework, of course, is only as strong as its implementation and both sides left the Session understanding that the work ahead is harder than the signing. Under Secretary Elbridge Colby captured that spirit at the signing: “This roadmap will guide our historic defense relationship for the next decade, building on a partnership that began 250 years ago when Morocco was the first nation to recognize the United States.” That sentence stayed with me because, later, I stood before the document that began it all.
During the same visit, our delegation went to the U.S. National Archives to view the 1786 Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Morocco and the U.S. To stand before that treaty was to understand the unusual depth of this relationship. Very few diplomatic ties endure across centuries. Fewer still remain strategically relevant.
The Treaty was not simply an artifact behind glass. It was a reminder that Morocco’s relationship with the U.S. began with a decision made before American power was assured. Morocco recognized a young republic when its future was still uncertain. That early act of recognition created a foundation of trust that has survived changes in governments, conflicts, alliances, and global orders. Today, that trust is visible in practical ways.
For example, African Lion 2026 opened in Morocco this week. More than 5,000 personnel from more than 40 countries are participating across Morocco, from Agadir to Tan-Tan, Benguerir and Dakhla. The exercise, now in its 22nd year with Morocco as a central partner, remains U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise on the continent.
Morocco is America’s premiere operational partner in African Lion and all that it entails for security on the continent and in the region. The exercise includes live-fire training, special operations coordination, command-and-control integration, and the testing of emerging technologies. The participation of more than 30 American defense technology companies adds another dimension: Morocco is not only a security partner, but a platform for innovation, training, and regional capability-building.
