U.S. Policy Toward Morocco

Chairman Ros-Lehtinen on the hearing: “Since becoming the first nation to formally recognize the newly independent United States of America, Morocco and the U.S. have shared a strategic and dynamic bilateral relationship. In a region that has seen much turbulence, instability and uncertainty, Morocco has stood up as a model of moderation and the hope for a democratic future in the Middle East and North Africa. While its neighbors continue to struggle to find a way forward from the Arab Spring, Morocco was already well underway in its political and socioeconomic transformation that has allowed it to remain stable throughout this turmoil and continue its transition to a more inclusive and open society. A key to keeping Morocco stable will be its ability to counter the rising threat of extremism that has taken root in much of its surrounding areas. It’s important that the U.S. continue to assist Morocco in countering these threats, and this hearing will give Members the opportunity to hear more about what the Administration is doing to assist the Kingdom and what our strategic goals and objectives are in Morocco.”