Event report

Thursday rsday March  25, 2010- At 1:00 PM
Time : 1: 00 PM
Center for Contemporary Arab Studies
Intercultural Center Room 241
Georgetown University
37th & O Streets, N.W.
Washington, DC Chairs and Contacts : Jean AbiNader : jabinader@moroccanamericancenter.com
Caitlin Dearing : cdearing@moroccanamericancenter.com
Hosted by The Moroccan American Center is pleased to cooperate with the Washington Moroccan Club in the observance of its 20th anniversary     

Event report:

An Update on US-Moroccan Relations

Introduction

On March 25^th, in coordination with the Maghreb Center and the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University, and in celebration of the Washington Moroccan Club's 20^th Anniversary, the Moroccan American Cultural Center organized a panel on US-Moroccan Relations. Professor I. William Zartman, of the School of Advanced International Studies, and Bill Lawrence, a representative from State Department's Maghreb Program for Global Engagement, spoke at the panel, which was moderated by Robert Holley of MACC.

Event Overview

The goal of the panel, featuring experts from the US and Morocco, was to look at the future of US-Moroccan relations in the next decade, given substantial geopolitical changes that have occurred. Morocco-US relations have shifted emphasis to a more sophisticated engagement over the past decade. US concerns with security and terrorism after 9/11 have made Morocco an important ally and Morocco's internal reforms have made it a significant partner in global development.

Dr. William Zartman began the discussion with an overview of US-Moroccan relations, touching on the historical ties and events that define the relations to this day and stressing that the diplomatic ties are historically based. Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States, officially with the 1786 Treaty of Friendship. Since that time the two nations have solidified their relationship. Economically, Morocco has a Free Trade Agreement with the US. Militarily, Morocco is a non-NATO ally. On the diplomatic front, there are several signs that point to a close relationship, which has become rather institutionalized. King Hassan II was a great friend of the US and advised US presidents.

Zartman underscored that Morocco has shown substantive progress in human rights, social development, and business practices, and highlighted that these reforms have done a lot for strengthening its relationship with the US, which today mains strong and will remain strong in the future.

Dr. William Lawrence began with a prepared statement on the US's view of its relations with the Morocco. He, like Zartman, noted historical ties and events that have successfully linked the US to Morocco, such as American Legation in Tangier and increasing Peace Corps volunteers over the past few decades.

Lawrence also noted science relations with Morocco, such as NASA cooperation and science envoys. He highlighted that Morocco is the only MENA country that has a free trade agreement with the EU and the US.

In summary, Dr. William Zartman provided a clear and concise overview of US-Moroccan relations with commentary and highlights of the most important aspects of the historical relationship between the two countries. Dr. William Lawrence added the US government's view on the relationship and noted scientific relations that the two countries share.

Observation

Approximately 40 people from NGOs, think tanks, universities, government agencies, and the Moroccan-American community attended the event. Dr. Zartman gave a very informative overview of US-Moroccan relations while stressing the points that have further strengthened the relationship. Though it seemed that Zartman supports the US-Morocco relationship, the information he provided showed Morocco from different perspectives and how it deals with issues diplomatically.

The event was important for MACC because our organization is here to represent the interests of Morocco, including the Diaspora. Our organization is here to assist the community in representing itself, in engaging politically at all levels, and in ensuring that the US-Morocco relations remain strong in the future. This relationship remains of vital importance to the community, as the identity of Moroccan-Americans remains very much attached to both countries. Ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship in the future between these two great nations is essential. In fostering debate and dialogue on issues pertinent to the relationship, the event helped guarantee positive academic and organizational engagement on this issue.