Morocco » International Relations

The Morocco's Relations with International Community

Morocco and the United States have a long history of sociable relations. This North African nation was one of the first states to look for diplomatic relations with America. In 1777, Sultan Sidi Muhammad Ben Abdullah, the most progressive of the Barbary leaders who ruled Morocco from 1757 to 1790, announced his wish for friendship with the United States.

The Kingdom of Morocco has been a legitimate monarchy since 1972. The Head of State is the King (Mohamed VI since 23 July 1999) who is also by Constitution the Commander of the Faithful. The Constitution guarantees a multi-party system. Twenty-nine political parties are represented in the Chamber of Representatives.

The EU is Morocco's main Western partner. Morocco also has good relations with the US, which granted Morocco major non-Nato ally status in June 2004. Morocco signed an Association Agreement with the EU in March 2000 and was one of the first waves of countries to concur a European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan with the EU in December 2004.

Morocco is a member of the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and the Arab Maghreb Union. Morocco participates in ESDP activities, notably the EUFOR ALTHEA mission in Bosnia.

Trade and Investment with UK

UK/Morocco relations are good. The UK and Morocco contribute to many common interests. Morocco has played a firm role in support of the Middle East Peace Process and in a number of UN peace keeping operations. UK trade with Morocco has trebled over the past decade. UK exports in 2004 were worth £340 million, while imports from Morocco totaled £521 million.