Assahafa.com
The newly appointed US Ambassador to Morocco, Richard Duke Buchan III, has officially arrived in Rabat and begun his diplomatic mission.
The US Embassy announced that Ambassador Buchan marked his first moments in the country by raising the American flag over his residence with assistance from US Marines.
“The newly arrived US Ambassador to Morocco, Duke Buchan III, marked his first moments in the country by raising the American flag over his residence with the help of the US Marines. He is looking forward to deepening the strong ties between our nations and celebrating 250 years of friendship,” the embassy stated in a social media post on Tuesday.
Buchan also presented the figured copies of his credentials as “Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America” to Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat today, to be transmitted to King Mohammed VI.
President Donald Trump first announced Buchan’s appointment in March on his Truth Social platform. “I am pleased to announce that Duke Buchan III will serve as the US ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco,” Trump wrote, adding that “Duke will play a key role as we strengthen peace, freedom, and prosperity for both our countries.”
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 29, Buchan outlined his priorities and vision for US-Morocco relations.
‘A pillar of stability’
The then-nominee described Morocco as “a pillar of stability” due to its strategic location that makes it “critical to American national security.” Buchan noted his long-standing connection to the country, saying, “I’ve been traveling to Morocco for over 40 years. It’s a beautiful, fascinating, and strategic country.”
“If confirmed, my highest priority will be the safety and security of American citizens in Morocco,” Buchan stated during the hearing, noting the significant number of Americans who visit Morocco to explore the country’s landscape and culture.
He also reaffirmed US support for Morocco’s position on Western Sahara, recalling Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s April statement recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces and supporting the Moroccan autonomy proposal as “the only viable basis for a just and lasting solution in Western Sahara.”
“If confirmed, I will facilitate progress towards this goal,” Buchan pledged, referencing the UN-led political process for resolving the Western Sahara dispute.
The US Senate officially confirmed Buchan’s appointment on October 7. He was subsequently sworn in on October 14, with the embassy announcing that he looked forward to arriving in Rabat soon to advance the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
Born in 1963 in North Carolina, Buchan brings extensive experience in both business and diplomacy. He studied economics and Spanish at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before earning an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1991. He participated in an international exchange program at the University of Seville from 1983 to 1984.
Buchan built a successful career in investment finance, founding Hunter Global Investors, an asset management firm specializing in international investments.
He previously served as US Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 2017 to 2021 during Trump’s first administration and later became National Finance Chairman of the Republican National Committee.
During his confirmation hearing, Buchan also addressed the robust economic relationship between the two countries.
Total goods trade between the US and Morocco reached $7.2 billion in 2024, with American goods exports standing at $5.3 billion, representing a 37.3% increase compared to 2023. US goods imports from Morocco reached $1.9 billion, a 12.3% increase from the previous year.
Buchan described Morocco as “a model economic partner” and pledged to increase opportunities for US businesses throughout the kingdom, including in the southern provinces. He noted potential contributions to Morocco’s development in agriculture and other sectors.
On security cooperation, the new ambassador pointed to Morocco’s role as a key ally, particularly through hosting the African Lion military exercises, described as the largest military maneuvers in Africa. “If confirmed, I will work to strengthen our long-standing security relationship as we confront common challenges,” he stated.
Celebrating 250 years of friendship
The appointment comes at a time when US-Morocco relations have reached historic strength. The relationship spans nearly 250 years, beginning with Morocco’s recognition of American independence in 1777 and formalized through the 1786 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, the oldest unbroken treaty in US history.
In December 2020, the United States became the first major power to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, with both countries signing a joint declaration that has been reaffirmed as the standing US position through this year.
The relationship proved to be built on true partnership rather than empty rhetoric when the US served as penholder for UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which recognized autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the basis for resolving the Sahara question.
Morocco has held Major Non-NATO Ally status since 2004 and continues to be a cornerstone of US strategy in North Africa and the broader region. The US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement, in force since 2006, has facilitated increased bilateral trade and investment flows.
Ambassador Buchan’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in this enduring partnership, with both countries positioned to deepen cooperation across security, economic, and diplomatic fronts.
Source: Morocco word news
