238 Years of Moroccan-American Friendship: A Treaty of Eternal Peace and Brotherhood
On this day, January 25, 1787, a historic treaty was signed between Morocco and the United States of America, marking the oldest peace and friendship treaty still in effect between the U.S. and another nation. This treaty symbolizes the beginning of a strong diplomatic relationship initiated during the reign of Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, renowned for his diplomatic acumen and geopolitical foresight.
Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah’s Vision
The Sultan’s reign was marked by notable achievements, including the liberation of Mazagan from Portuguese control, the founding of Essaouira, and the reconstruction of major cities such as Casablanca and Mohammedia. He also established peaceful relations with numerous European nations and the Ottoman Empire, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to diplomacy.
Morocco: The First Nation to Recognize U.S. Independence
On December 20, 1777, Morocco took a groundbreaking step by becoming the first country to officially recognize the independence of the United States, declared on July 4, 1776. This recognition came at a critical time when the U.S. was engaged in its War of Independence against Great Britain.
Inspired by this initiative, Thomas Barclay was sent as an American envoy to Morocco to negotiate the terms of a treaty. In June 1786, Barclay arrived in Marrakesh, where negotiations commenced with the Sultan’s representatives. The treaty’s articles were drafted in Arabic and sealed with the Sultan’s royal stamp.
The Treaty’s Endorsement
The English version of the treaty was signed in London and Paris by President John Adams and Thomas Jefferson before being ratified by the U.S. Congress in July 1787.
Later, the treaty was renewed during the reign of Sultan Moulay Suleiman in 1795. In another milestone, the first American diplomatic representation in Morocco was established in 1821, with the opening of the historic American Legation in Tangier, now recognized as the oldest U.S. diplomatic property outside the United States.
A Lasting Symbol of Friendship
This treaty was not merely a formal agreement but a symbol of an extraordinary friendship that has endured for over two centuries. It has become a model of international relations, evolving into a unique bond that highlights the historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Morocco and the United States.
