Officials from the United States and Morocco gathered on Tuesday to dedicate the new consulate General Casablanca, promoting the centuries-old relationship between both nations that they hope will prevail for another 250 years.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau joined U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Duke Buchan III, Moroccan government officials, and embassy and consulate general personnel at the 6.9-acre site in Casablanca’s Casa Anfa financial district to support expanded cooperation on economic growth, security and regional stability, according to a press release issued by the U.S. State Department.
Both nations’ allyship goes back to 1777, when Morocco became the first foreign country to recognize the United States amid its new independence. Some 20,000 Moroccan soldiers, then under French protectorate, aligned with allied forces in various capacities during World War I, and Moroccan national defense forces supported American and British operations during World War II.
Myriad decades of diplomacy continued into the 21st century. Morocco supported the U.S. after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and three years later was granted “non-NATO ally” status that enabled priority defense material delivery and participation in research and development programs. Also in 2004, the signing of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement fostered economic cooperation between both nations.
Last month, U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby met with Mr. Abdellatif Loudiyi, Minister Delegate for National Defense, and Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, at the Pentagon to sign the new U.S.-Morocco Defense Cooperation Roadmap.
“This Roadmap will guide our historic defense relationship for the next decade, building on a partnership that began 250 years ago when Morocco was the first nation to recognize the United States,” Colby said on X.
Details of New Consulate
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) described in remarks how the new consulate is “an important physical representation of the long-term commitment to the U.S.- Moroccan relationship” and ensure a safer, stronger and prosperous United States.
The OBO is responsible for the planning, acquisition, design, construction, operations, maintenance, and disposal of U.S. governmental diplomatic and consular property overseas.
The project was designed by The Miller Hull Partnership, constructed by BL Harbert International, and KCCT is serving as its architect. State Department readouts report the project budget is $282 million, with $100 million of local investment by Morocco.
The compound is said to not just provide security and modernity, but also includes elements of Moroccan architectural tradition in tandem with enhanced performance and durability.
The culture is evident in the contemporary artwork, curated by OBO’s Office of Art in Embassies. Canary Island Palms and water features help guide visitors to their destination and are said to provide shade and heat relief. Gardens will host planned events and impromptu gatherings.
The project also includes a support annex, Marine Security Guard Quarters, Regional Diplomatic Courier Facility, two below ground parking facilities, three compound access centers, and a two-story American space.
At its construction peak, more than 900 U.S, local and third-country workers supported the project’s completion.
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