Relations séculaires Maroc-USA

Advancing Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

Morocco is one of our closest counterterrorism partners in the Middle East and North Africa region and one of the most active members of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF).  The Government of Morocco is implementing a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy, which reflects technical expertise as well as leadership in the religious and cultural dimensions of countering violent extremism.  Rabat will host the 5th meeting of the GCTF’s Coordinating Committee in spring 2014.

Morocco continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to building international cooperation during its 2012-13 membership on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).  It is currently chairing the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee, where it plays a strong leadership role in advancing counterterrorism cooperation, including in the Maghreb and Sahel.  Morocco is a strong partner and an active participant in international peacekeeping operations, contributing over 1,700 personnel to U.N. peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Côte d’Ivoire, and the NATO KFOR mission in Kosovo.

Morocco maintains an effective border security regime and seeks to modernize its strategic trade control system.  With assistance from the Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation’s Export Control and Related Border Security Program, the Moroccan government is working to finalize and pass through Parliament a strategic trade control law and implementation regulations.  If successful, Morocco will be the first North African country to bring its legal framework for nonproliferation export controls up to international standards.

Diplomatic and Political Areas of Cooperation

Regional Issues:  The Government of Morocco is a key U.S. partner in the Middle East and Africa.  Morocco supported the Framework for the Elimination of Chemical Weapons in the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, as well as the UNSC resolution that called on the Syrian regime to fully cooperate in the elimination of its chemical weapons program.  To address the cultural, religious, and social aspects of Mali’s reconstruction, His Majesty King Mohammed VI recently announced that Morocco will train 500 Malian imams in the countries’ shared spiritual values of openness and tolerance.

Democracy and Governance:  The U.S. government is committed to continue to work with Morocco to realize the promise of Morocco’s 2011 constitution and explore ways in which the United States can help strengthen Morocco’s democratic institutions, civil society, and inclusive governance.  In November 2011, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported the largest domestic election monitoring initiative in Moroccan history, with more than 2,400 individuals in 8,700 polling stations observing voting in the country’s legislative elections.  USAID is also working to strengthen political parties in Morocco and has helped build civil society’s capacity to engage in democratic reform and advocate for citizens and marginalized groups, particularly the young and the poor.  The United States has expressed strong support for the steps Morocco has taken to qualify for the Open Government Partnership, of which the United States is a founding member.

Equal Futures Partnership:  The Equal Futures Partnership is an innovative, U.S.-led multilateral initiative designed to drive action by member countries with the goal of empowering women economically and politically.  The United States strongly supports Morocco’s efforts to undertake policy, institutional, and legal reforms in advance of the government’s plan on promoting gender equality and addressing gender-based violence.

Migration Challenges:  In order to address challenges in the areas of migration and refugee processing, and in response to recommendations from the Conseil National des Droits de l’Homme (CNDH), King Mohammed VI has called for the establishment of a new comprehensive migration policy.

Economic Areas of Cooperation

Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC):  Morocco’s $697.5 million five-year compact closed in September 2013.  The program was designed to reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth through investments in five projects.  These strategic investments increased productivity and improved employment in sectors with high-growth potential such as agriculture, fisheries, and artisan crafts, complemented by investments in financial services and enterprise support.  The MCC compact for Morocco highlighted the importance of the MCC model of strong country ownership, evidence- and results-based approaches to investment decisions, strong accountability systems, and transparent governance.  Morocco was selected as eligible to develop a second compact by MCC’s Board of Directors in December 2012 and is in the preliminary analysis phase of program development.

Trade and Business Environment:  The United States and Morocco signed a Free Trade Agreement on June 15, 2004 that entered into force on January 1, 2006.  The United States-Morocco FTA is a comprehensive agreement that supports the economic and political reforms that are underway in Morocco and provides for improved commercial opportunities, both for U.S. exports to Morocco, and for Moroccan exports to the United States, by reducing and eliminating trade barriers.  The entry into force of the FTA has facilitated a significant increase in U.S.-Moroccan trade and investment.  U.S. exports to Morocco reached $2.2 billion in 2012, up from $481 million in 2005.  Moroccan exports to the United States likewise increased to $932 million in 2012, up from $446 million in 2005.  U.S. foreign direct investment in Morocco has increased 309 percent since 2005, reaching $613 million in 2012.

Morocco was the first Middle East partner to endorse Joint Principles for International Investment and Information and Communication Technology Services Trade with the United States.  These principles reflect our common commitment to 21st century open and modern economies.

On November 21, 2013 U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Michael Froman and Moroccan Minister for Finance and Economy Boussaid signed a Trade Facilitation Agreement that represents a forward-leaning, 21st century agreement on customs reform and modernization.  The agreement includes provisions covering internet publication, transit, transparency with respect to penalties, and other issues that will further boost Morocco’s competitiveness and benefit its trade environment.

On November 21, 2013 the Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Rand Beers and Moroccan Minister for Finance and Economy Boussaid signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement, which will allow our two governments to exchange customs information to help detect, investigate, and prosecute crimes such as terrorism, narcotics smuggling, weapons smuggling, money laundering, trafficking in persons, and customs violations.

The U.S. Department of Labor is planning to provide up to $5 million to fund technical assistance project(s) to support efforts in rural and peri-urban areas of Morocco to reduce child labor and assist youth of legal working age to secure decent work, and provide household members (age 18 and older) with opportunities for improved livelihoods.  The Department of Labor is also planning to provide up to $1 million for one or more cooperative agreements to fund technical assistance project(s) in Morocco to increase gender equality at work through support to relevant civil society and non-government organizations and efforts to empower women with respect to their labor rights.

Entrepreneurship:  Morocco agreed to host the 2014 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, President Obama’s signature initiative to promote entrepreneurship overseas.  USAID, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Global Entrepreneurship Program, recently launched the Center of Entrepreneurship and Executive Development (CEED) in Morocco.  CEED will empower entrepreneurs to succeed in challenging business environments and is financed through a grant of $2.6 million for programming in Morocco and Tunisia.

Local Development:  The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) supports Morocco’s framework for advancing regionalization (decentralization) through $250,000 in support to a community-based planning project that trains student activists and local civil society organizations to work collaboratively to develop community initiatives in partnership with commune and local government leaders.

Educational and Cultural Areas of Cooperation

Youth Exchanges:  Moroccan youth participate in a variety of programs sponsored by the Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau at the Department of State, including:  the English Access Microscholarship Program, an after-school English language enrichment program for underserved populations; the Youth Exchange and Study Program, an exchange for secondary-school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to attend school and live in the United States with U.S. families for an academic year; the Fulbright Program; TechWomen, a program for young women to receive mentoring from technology experts in Silicon Valley; and the International Visitor Leadership Program, which invites emerging Moroccan leaders to travel to the United States.  There are also several U.S.-government sponsored exchange programs that send Americans students and researchers to Morocco.  In academic year 2012, over 1300 Moroccans studied in the United States and over 950 Americans studied in Morocco.

Education:  USAID has improved pre- and in-service training of teachers, providing in-service training to over 3,000 teachers, including 269 women.  In partnership with the Ministry of Education, USAID has improved and adapted national pre-service teacher training materials for use at training colleges and distance education programs.  USAID also developed an interactive in-service teacher training program, for the newly established teacher training summer institute, including an orientation program for newly hired professors at teacher colleges.

Peace Corps:  Since the program’s founding in 1963, over 4,400 Volunteers have served the Kingdom in numerous sites, sectors, and projects.  Today, Peace Corps/Morocco focuses on youth development.  In 1995, education Volunteers began teaching English in community youth centers (“Dar Chebab”), enabling youth to practice the English they learned in school.  While content-based English teaching is still widely used, the program today focuses on youth leadership, strengthening youth networks, building the capacity of professionals who work with youth, and promoting girls’ education.  Volunteers are assigned to Dar Chebabs (youth centers), and work with local professionals and youth to promote volunteerism and youth leadership.  There are 215 Peace Corps volunteers currently serving in Morocco.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/11/22/fact-sheet-us-morocco-strong-and-enduring-commitment

MACP (Washington, DC, November 22, 2013) — To honor the memory of President John F. Kennedy, Morocco is making a new multi-year contribution in his name to the Peace Corps to support and extend the work of Volunteers in Morocco, Moroccan Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar announced Friday evening.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar said more than 4,530 Peace Corp Volunteers have worked in Morocco in the past 50 years, fulling President Kennedy’s vision.

“As we celebrate our continuing strong partnership with the United States,” said Minister Mezouar, “let us all take a moment to pause and remember the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, 50 years ago on this date.

“Morocco lost a great friend that day, a leader who had a keen appreciation of Morocco’s contribution to stability and peace in the world, an unwavering commitment to maintaining our long alliance, and a valued personal relationship with King Hassan II.

“I am delighted to inform you that to honor President Kennedy’s memory, King Mohammed VI has announced a multi-year contribution in President Kennedy’s name to the Peace Corp in Morocco,” said Mezouar.

“Over the past 50 years, more than 4,530 Peace Corps Volunteers have worked in Morocco, fulfilling President Kennedy’s vision of advancing world peace through service in countries across the globe.

“Morocco’s donation will support the volunteers’ indispensable work in Morocco on rural and youth development, English education, environment and health.”
Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco.

The Peace Corps was one of President Kennedy’s defining legacies, established just months before his death, and embodying his vision of international good will and cooperation.  It has done much to further the bonds of friendship and partnership between the two countries.

The tribute by Morocco follows a productive meeting earlier today at the White House between King Mohammed VI and President Barack Obama, where the two leaders worked to deepen the two nations’ strategic partnership which dates back more than 230 years.

In March 1963, President Kennedy welcomed King Mohammed VI’s father, King Hassan II, to Washington with eloquent words that still resonate today: “Though a wide ocean separates our two countries, they have been bound together throughout our history.”  King Hassan replied that Morocco looked forward to continuing to work with America in “true and honest and unselfish cooperation in their mutual interests, as well as in the interest of the cause of freedom, peace, and human dignity throughout the world.”
- See more at: http://moroccoonthemove.com/2013/11/22/tribute-president-kennedy-morocco-announces-multi-year-contribution-peace-corps-morocco-2/#sthash.ODP87gIq.dpuf

It happened fifty years ago today, yet like most Americans alive at the time, I remember hearing the news of President Kennedy’s assassination as if it were yesterday. I was sitting in my eighth grade classroom at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in upstate New York. The announcement was made over the loudspeaker, and moments later we heard the nuns’ terrified whispers. The president—the first Catholic president—had been killed. In shock, we were sent home early to be with and grieve with our families.

Even as a kid I knew that the United States had lost a beloved leader in President John F. Kennedy. We lived in a scary world. The threat of communism loomed over the country. The news spoke of despots in Cuba, in Russia… A guerilla war in Vietnam raged on. And the assassination made it seem even scarier.

It wasn’t until much later, in 1998 when I was serving as U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, that I came to fully appreciate how far beyond our own country the impact of that day’s events reached. I was talking with Morocco’s King Hassan II in a routine meeting. Except that the date was November 22, the anniversary of JFK’s assassination.

King Hassan II reminisced about his trip to Washington in March 1963 for a State Visit with the U.S. president, just eight months before the tragic events that took President Kennedy’s life. The two leaders had exchanged warm words and reaffirmed their countries’ longstanding partnership.

“Though a wide ocean separates our two countries,” President Kennedy had said, “They have been bound together throughout our history.”

King Hassan II had emphasized that he and the Moroccan people looked forward to “true and honest and unselfish cooperation in their mutual interests, as well as in the interest of the cause of freedom, peace, and human dignity throughout the world.”

Communism, the Soviets, Cuba—today they are no longer threats to our country. Yet decades later, as King Hassan II’s son King Mohammed VI meets with President Barack Obama at the White House today, the world is still a dangerous place, and the cause of freedom, peace, and human dignity throughout the world remains an urgent one. And Morocco is still there with us.

Morocco has managed to grow and prosper in a politically and economically unstable region. The U.S. and Morocco are both committed to dealing with the challenges of extremism and terrorism, and to bringing stability, economic growth, dignity, and democratic reforms to the Middle East and North Africa. Morocco is America’s oldest friend, and it remains today our strongest ally in the region.

It is my hope that the United States will take advantage of King Mohammed’s visit to reaffirm the strategic partnership between our countries, and to show with absolute clarity that the United States stands with Morocco in its commitment to advancing reforms, human rights, economic development, and peace and stability in the region.

Let the current administration take a lesson from President Kennedy, then, who had said to King Hassan II fifty years ago, “We know your visit will be beneficial to both of our countries and to both of our peoples.”

Gabriel is the former U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, 1997 to 2001, and currently advises the government of Morocco.

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/191123-morocco-fifty-years-later-a-steadfast-friend 

One of the few bright spots in Hillary Clinton’s tenure as secretary of state was the development of a “strategic relationship” with Morocco, a heightened level of cooperation on economic, social and security matters. As U.S. influence in the Middle East diminishes and violence, sectarian strife, economic stagnation and persecution of women and minorities become the tragic reality in most of the region, that relationship increases in value over time. The meeting on Friday between the king of Morocco and President Obama — in a week dominated by abysmal polling, the Obamacare debacle and the demolition of Senate rules  — gave the White House some positive images and material for upbeat statements. The visit suggests the United States may reap as much from the relationship as does Morocco.

I spoke by phone Friday afternoon with Salaheddine Mezouar, Morocco’s foreign minister. Speaking in French with the aid of a translator, Mezouar told me, “The purpose of the visit was to chart a new course for our relationship and deepen our relationship.” In the security realm that entails not only “coordination and sharing of intelligence but also promoting economic development so as to promote more stability” in the region. At a time when isolationist voices in the United States are cheering U.S. retrenchment, Mezouar makes the case for a larger U.S. presence. In Libya, for example, he sees the United States as a critical player in helping “the central government assert its authority and fight armed factions.” Morocco, plagued by a violent separatist group the Polisario Front, is pleased the United States supports its autonomy plan for the Western Sahara as “serious, credible and realistic” and instrumental in combating the noxious intersection of terrorism, drug and human trafficking.

Morocco, which is undergoing peaceful transformation under the auspices of a reformist king, recently enacted a new constitution designed to solidify rights of women and minorities, bolster an independent judiciary and devolve power back to local governments. Progress is slow, and recent incidents such as the arrest and trial of a journalist for speaking ill of the king, should dispel the notion that transitioning from a traditional society to a modern, constitutional monarchy will be easy. That said, Morocco is one of the few countries moving steadily and peacefully in the right direction while undergoing rapid economic development. Mezouar told me, “The experience of Morocco as a role model may also serve the U.S. to reach its objectives.” He explained  that “Morocco positions itself as a hub, a gateway to Africa,” and therefore a partner for the U.S. in everything from economic development to infrastructure building to improvement in “human capital.”

It is an interesting proposition, namely that the United States can promote modernization, greater civil liberties and pro-Western sentiments by helping to make Morocco a success story and in turn partnering with Morocco on areas of common interest. If we lack the wherewithal or ability to influence directly war-torn, impoverished and repressive regimes, we can at the least insure that there is a success story for others to emulate.

Morocco’s constitution, for example, guarantees rights of women, who in Morocco, Mezouar pointed out, have a strong presence in government, the business community and among the entrepreneurial class. “The challenge for developing counties, ” he said, “is to make sure the role of women grows stronger. It [happens] through a network of women and NGO’s and institutions.” Likewise Morocco has made a push for education and training with an emphasis on preparation for the workforce. It has thereby been able to make a dent in unemployment (from 15 to 9 percent) and specifically address youth unemployment (down from 18 to 13 percent).

There are, I’d suggest, a few lessons to be learned here that apply to the wider Middle East. First, the U.S. presence is essential and must be sustained over time to have any real impact politically and economically. Second, modernization and democratization are long-term propositions; there are no easy, quick and full-proof fixes for countries with sectarian, political, security, economic and social challenges. Third, if we retrench, we diminish our influence and thereby slow progress of countries on the right track; without success stories the ability to improve the lot of those still mired in violence and poverty diminishes.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2013/11/24/promoting-success-in-the-middle-east/

Arab Spring has so far brought only chaos not democracy and stability to most Arab countries, such as Tunisia and Egypt, US major allies in North Africa. However, one country offers hope for the Arab world and the US as it shows that there is really an alternative to the violent and bloody changes.

The alternative worked out by Morocco, though not flawless, has enabled the North African nation to open up politically, modernize and take up development challenges with self-confidence and upbeat.

These challenges as well as latest developments on the international scene will certainly be addressed during the meeting US president Barack Obama will have this week at the White House with King Mohammed VI.
Talks will also cover Morocco’s reforms, the situation in the Middle East and Africa, including violent extremism, democratic transitions, and economic development.
This visit takes place at a time there is a global concerns about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle-East and discomfort in the Arab World about Obama’s handling of the civil war in Syria and the use of chemical weapons by President Bashar Assad’s government.

US Soft Power Raising Questions

US cautious approach in dealing with Syria and Iran has backfired and angered Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies. Most Arab countries were apparently upset to see US president outmaneuvered by Russian cunning diplomacy, forcing Washington to make a U-turn and giving Syrian dictator Bachar Assad the chance to survive instead of swift actions.
US allies in the Arab and Muslim world are particularly worried that the US administration is turning inward and shelving its engagement and deterrence strategy.
There is also a growing feeling of unease in Arab and Muslim capitals as the U.S. government from afar looks increasingly befuddled, giving the sense that Washington is not as firm as it used to be in its resolve and its financial capacity.

U.S. Losing Ground in Africa ?

In Africa too, the U.S. appears losing the ground to Chinese growing influence in the continent which is battered by  poverty and diseases,  armed conflicts, military coups , dictatorial one-party states, etc.
Despite large endowments of natural resources, the continent’s economic performance is still dismal as a result of poor macroeconomic management and a hostile environment for doing business.

However, Morocco, U.S. major ally in the region, stands out due to its economic performance and political stability. With few exceptions, such as South Africa and other handful countries, Morocco, which has no oil reserves, outperformed its neighbors and African peers.
The North African nation has weathered peacefully the Arab Spring storm that rocked and toppled the neighboring regimes of Zine El Abdine Ben Ali of Tunisia, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya and Hosni Mubarak of Egypt.

King Mohammed, whose legitimacy was never targeted by pro-democracy protesters deftly, retook the initiative by proposing a new constitution. Elections that followed led, for the first time, to victory for the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), which is now in office. Surely, some observers marveled, here was a model to follow for countries faced with demands for change, one that offered evolution rather than violent revolution.

Morocco’s Expanding Trade with Africa: Opportunity for US

As trade exchange with neighboring countries in Maghreb faltered due to row with Algeria, an OPEC member country, over the Western Sahara, Morocco,  boldened by the FTA deals sealed with the US, the EU and some Arab countries turned southward, developing trade, selling goods and services to sub-Saharan countries.
Although it is no longer member of the African Union, Morocco has upgraded its relationship and cooperation with African countries and  Morocco’s King conducted several African tours with visits to almost all African countries including  Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast,  Gabon, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger, Cameroon, Gambia, Benin,  Congo Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and many others. Moroccan private banks and major Telecom Company have opened branches in several sub-Saharan countries.
Moroccan businesses are thriving in this region due to shared cultural, historical and religious legacy. Over the last decade, Morocco has been building a strong economic platform that offers huge business joint opportunities for American companies. Old and good friends always stand by each other despite some frictions from time to time.

http://medafricatimes.com/2237-morocco-may-be-u-s-best-friend-in-africa-elsewhere.html

US President Barack Obama has encouraged Morocco to join the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law, which will be based in Malta.

At a meeting between the US President and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI on Friday, both leaders stressed Morocco’s importance as a platform for investment in Africa and pledged to continue their efforts to promote economic growth, human development and stability in the region.

They also pledged to enhance counter-terrorism and non-proliferation cooperation, as well as efforts to “bolster democratic criminal justice institutions and to counter the threat of violent extremism in the region”, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.

During the meeting, President Obama encouraged Morocco to join the United States in founding the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law in Malta, in a bid to train a new generation of criminal justice officials across North, West and East Africa to address counter terrorism and related security challenges.

At the end of September, the US embassy in Malta had said that during the fourth ministerial meeting of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) in New York, Secretary John Kerry announced that the International Institute on Justice and the Rule of Law would be established in Malta and would begin operations in 2014.

“The United States, working closely with a number of international partners, including the European Union, Switzerland, Germany, the UK, France, Turkey, and The Netherlands, has been actively involved in developing the Institute’s mandate, structure, and curriculum.

“Given its geographical location and political orientation, Malta offers an ideal location to establish this new centre and the United States is grateful for the Government of Malta’s willingness to host the Institute,” the embassy said.

The embassy said that once established, it will serve as a training centre dedicated to strengthening criminal justice and other rule of law institutions, promoting regional judicial and police cooperation, and fostering regional criminal justice practitioner networks to allow countries to provide justice, security, and liberty to their citizens, based on the respect for human rights and the rule of law.  

It will focus its training initially on interested countries in North, West, and East Africa, paying particular attention to training officials in countries in transition.

It will provide parliamentarians, police, prosecutors, judges, prison officials, and other relevant criminal justice officials with rule of law-based training on the development and use of policies, good practices, and procedures so countries are more capable of safeguarding the security of their citizens from transnational threats such as terrorism.  

The training delivered at the Institute will be grounded in respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and support the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, in particular Pillar IV of its Plan of Action, which underscores the critical role that an effective and rule of law-based national criminal justice system plays in ensuring that terrorists and their supporters are brought to justice in a manner that respects human rights.

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2013-11-24/news/obama-encourages-morocco-to-join-malta-based-international-institute-for-justice-and-the-rule-of-law-3276636160/