119-hres251

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 251 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. RES. 251

Recognizing the longstanding friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco 
 and the United States of America.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 March 25, 2025

Mr. Schneider (for himself and Mr. Wilson of South Carolina) submitted 
 the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
 Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

Recognizing the longstanding friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco 
 and the United States of America.

Whereas December 1, 2027, will mark the 250th anniversary of the Kingdom of 
 Morocco becoming the first country to recognize the United States of 
 America, a milestone in one of the longest standing diplomatic 
 relationships in United States history;
Whereas, on December 1, 1777, Sultan Sidi Muhammad Ben Abdullah established 
 relations with the United States, opening Moroccan ports to American 
 merchants during the War for Independence;
Whereas, in December 1780, the Continental Congress sent its first diplomatic 
 correspondence to the Kingdom of Morocco, expressing a desire for peace 
 and friendship;
Whereas, on July 18, 1787, the United States ratified the Treaty of Peace and 
 Friendship, also known as the Treaty of Marrakech, establishing formal 
 diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and the 
 Kingdom of Morocco;
Whereas the Treaty of Peace and Friendship remains the longest unbroken 
 diplomatic relationship in United States history;
Whereas the Kingdom of Morocco gifted the Tangier American Legation to the 
 United States in 1821, making it the first American diplomatic property 
 abroad and a lasting symbol of United States-Morocco friendship;
Whereas Morocco has historically fostered religious coexistence, including the 
 protection of Jewish communities, and has engaged in interfaith dialogue 
 and Holocaust education;
Whereas Moroccan-American communities contribute to the cultural diversity of 
 the United States and maintain deep connections to their heritage;
Whereas the United States and Morocco have built a multifaceted partnership 
 based on shared strategic, economic, and cultural interests;
Whereas Morocco remains the only African country with a Free Trade Agreement

    (FTA) with the United States, and since the FTA's enactment in 2006, 
 bilateral agricultural trade has expanded;
Whereas the United States and Morocco cooperate closely on regional security, 
 counterterrorism efforts, and military coordination, including 
 participation in joint military exercises such as African Lion;
Whereas Morocco collaborates with the United States in nuclear nonproliferation, 
 countering illicit arms trafficking, and enhancing regional security 
 initiatives;
Whereas Morocco is a signatory to the Abraham Accords and continues to engage in 
 diplomatic initiatives to promote regional stability;
Whereas the United States and Morocco engage in cultural, educational, and 
 humanitarian cooperation, including Peace Corps programs, disaster 
 management training, and joint health initiatives; and
Whereas Morocco participates in global humanitarian efforts, including public 
 health initiatives and crisis response collaborations: Now, therefore, 
 be it
 Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

    (1) recognizes the approaching 250th anniversary of the 
 Kingdom of Morocco's recognition of the United States and the 
 enduring friendship between the two nations;

    (2) acknowledges Morocco's history of religious coexistence 
 and the contributions of Moroccan-American communities to 
 United States society;

    (3) affirms the importance of the United States-Morocco 
 relationship in promoting mutual economic and security 
 interests;

    (4) commends Morocco's engagement in regional diplomacy, 
 including its participation in the Abraham Accords;

    (5) encourages continued United States-Morocco cooperation 
 in trade, security, digital transformation, and humanitarian 
 efforts, recognizing both shared opportunities and challenges 
 in the partnership; and

    (6) supports efforts to commemorate this milestone in the 
 lead-up to 2027, highlighting the historical and strategic 
 importance of the United States-Morocco alliance.
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