On April 29, 2026, U.S. Ambassador Christopher Landau and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held a joint press conference in Rabat to celebrate the strength of bilateral relations. The event marked the official visit and highlighted key areas of cooperation, including the Sahara issue, economic partnership, and space exploration.
Landau reiterated the U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, a position first announced by the Trump administration in December 2020. He noted that this stance remains unchanged under the Biden administration, emphasizing its importance for regional stability and economic integration.
Economic ties were a central theme, with both officials citing growing trade and investment. The U.S. is one of Morocco's largest foreign investors, with sectors like aerospace, renewable energy, and agriculture seeing significant collaboration. Landau also mentioned the potential for increased U.S. private sector involvement in Morocco's infrastructure projects.
In a surprising announcement, the two sides revealed a new agreement on space cooperation. This includes joint satellite projects and technology sharing, aiming to bolster Morocco's emerging space program. The deal aligns with Morocco's goal of launching its own satellite for telecommunications and earth observation by 2028.
The visit concluded with a call for continued dialogue on security and counterterrorism, as both nations face shared threats in the Sahel region. The partnership, officials said, is a model for U.S.-Africa relations in the 21st century.
