Sahara: U.S. congressional delegation holds talks with Nasser Bourita

Nasser Bourita held talks on Monday in Rabat with a delegation from the United States Congress led by Trent Kelly, Morocco’s foreign ministry said.

«I strongly support Morocco’s autonomy proposal», which has been endorsed by «United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797», the Republican congressman from Mississippi said following his meeting with Morocco’s top diplomat.

Kelly also highlighted the depth of the historic ties between Morocco and the United States, recalling that the kingdom was «the first supporter» of American independence, according to the same source. He further praised bilateral relations marked by «250 years of partnership and friendship».

Trent Kelly is a member of the Armed Services, Intelligence and Special Operations committees in the U.S. Congress and chairs the Subcommittee on Seapower.

The U.S. congressional delegation also met the same day in Rabat with Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration, and Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone.

The two sides reviewed the state of defense cooperation, notably the regular meetings of the Morocco-U.S. Defense Consultative Committee, whose 14th session was held in Washington, D.C. last April. That meeting was marked by the signing of a new ten-year military cooperation agreement.