[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E512-E513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE IMPORTANCE OF A US-MOROCCAN RELATIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2013

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the 
importance of US-Morocco bilateral relations--a friendship that has 
strongly endured for over 225 years because of shared interests and 
mutual respect. At a time when recent reports suggest that the 
relationship has come under some strain, we must remember that our 
relationship with Morocco is more important than ever and it will not 
be jeopardized. The Maghreb and Sahel are increasingly threatened by 
instability and insecurity emanating from the terrorist groups 
operating in Northern Mali and elsewhere, the United States' 
relationships with key allies in the region becomes all the more 
important. US-Morocco relations remain strong, based on a shared 
commitment to promoting peace, security, and human rights throughout 
North Africa and the wider Middle East. The US

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must continue to recognize the importance of this relationship--and 
strengthen it--as it works to combat terrorism and promote regional 
cooperation throughout the region.
   As a stable, democratizing, and steadfast ally, Morocco has made 
important achievements over the last decade on issues ranging from 
security and counterterrorism to economic development, political and 
social reforms, advancement of human rights, and cross-cultural 
tolerance and respect. There has always been strong bipartisan support 
for a strong US-Morocco bilateral relationship in the US Congress and 
we must continue to support these developments and work with Morocco to 
address our common interests and shared values concerning the most 
important issues in the Middle East and North Africa. We have been 
strong partners, friends, and allies for more than 225 years. That is a 
unique history that has solidified our strong relations with Morocco 
since the origins of our nation and one which will certainly endure and 
strengthen in the future because of the importance both countries place 
on our partnership.

                          ____________________