U.S.-Morocco Security Partnership Marks 15 Years at Tangier’s American Legation

Tangier – The U.S and Morocco marked a new milestone in their longstanding bilateral relationship on April 15, as the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) commemorated 15 years of security cooperation with Moroccan institutions. 

The anniversary was observed during a panel discussion held at the Tangier American Legation, a site that carries deep historical resonance for both nations.

The event formed part of the “Freedom250” commemoration, celebrating 250 years of American independence. It convened representatives from Morocco’s key judicial and security bodies, including the Directorate General of National Security, the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration, the Ministry of Justice, and international partners.

Speaking at the gathering, Kristy Roberts, Director of the INL Office at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, presented the anniversary within a much longer trajectory of cooperation between the two countries. 

She recalled Morocco’s early recognition of the United States in 1777 under Sultan Mohammed III, describing it as the foundation of a relationship that continues to evolve.

“Morocco was the first to acknowledge the United States as a country,” she said to MWN, adding that the INL program builds on that legacy through practical collaboration in security and law enforcement. 

A historic and close partnership

Over the past 15 years, the partnership has focused on strengthening institutional capacity, reinforcing the rule of law, and advancing joint responses to transnational challenges.

Hosting the event at the American Legation had a symbolic weight on the occasion. Jennifer Rissamimanana, Executive Director of the Legation, described the venue as a “living symbol” of the enduring ties between Rabat and Washington.

She highlighted the building’s unique status. Since Morocco gifted it to the United States in 1821, it remains the oldest American diplomatic property in the world and the only U.S. national historic landmark located outside the country.

 “There is no better place to celebrate a historic and close partnership,” she said to MWN, pointing to the Legation’s role at the intersection of Moroccan and American histories.

Beyond its symbolic dimension, the fifteen-year anniversary also reflected the operational depth of the U.S.-Morocco friendship in the security sector. 

Through INL, the two countries have developed sustained collaboration aimed at enhancing public safety, judicial effectiveness, and institutional resilience.

As both nations look ahead, the convergence of the 15-year INL milestone with the 250th anniversary of American independence offers a moment to reaffirm a partnership rooted in history and shaped by present-day priorities.

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