West STL News

Rep. Ann Wagner, representing Missouri's 2nd District and co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus, alongside co-chair Rep. Brad Schneider from Illinois' 10th District, hosted a congressional roundtable with Morocco's Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita. The meeting was held on April 8 and focused on Morocco's role in advancing regional peace, economic integration, and security cooperation under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

Bourita participated in discussions highlighting Morocco's strategic partnership with the United States and its involvement in regional stability efforts. "The Kingdom of Morocco has been a vital partner with the United States in pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity in Africa and the Middle East," Rep. Wagner stated. The roundtable aimed to further economic, diplomatic, and security relationships between the U.S., Morocco, Israel, and other Arab nations, while addressing challenges such as Iran's destabilizing efforts.

Rep. Schneider remarked on the enduring nature of the U.S.-Morocco partnership, saying, "The U.S.-Morocco relationship is centuries old and has never been more relevant." The dialogue included discussions on joint military exercises, trilateral cooperation with Israel, and Morocco's role in regional peace and stability.

Having approached the five-year mark since Morocco established full ties with Israel, attention was given to the future of bilateral and trilateral relationships involving the countries. Other topics discussed were trade, energy, water, and regional security, with an emphasis on the deepening U.S.-Morocco relationship.

Morocco's hosting of African Lion, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent, was highlighted as a significant example of U.S.-Morocco defense collaboration. The conversation also covered U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and its implications for regional stability.

In closing, the Abraham Accords Caucus reiterated its commitment to advancing normalization and supporting U.S. diplomacy for long-term partnerships fostering peace and integration in the Middle East and North Africa. "We were grateful for the chance to have an open and strategic dialogue with Foreign Minister Bourita about the opportunities and challenges facing the region," Rep. Schneider concluded.