Speaking at a press briefing after talks with Mr. Bourita, Mr. Rogers expressed his "deep gratitude to HM King Mohammed VI for his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Morocco and for His role in promoting peace, prosperity and security in the region and the world."

These talks, he added, were an opportunity to highlight the crucial role of the Kingdom as a partner of the United States on a number of security issues. In this regard, Rogers mentioned the upcoming edition of the African Lion, the largest U.S. military exercise in Africa, which Morocco has hosted for nearly two decades.

"This year, African Lion, which will begin in a few weeks, will again bring thousands of American soldiers to the Kingdom to train alongside their Moroccan counterparts," he said, stressing that this type of exercise is "essential for the preparation and interoperability of our armed forces, as we work together to address common security challenges."

In addition, the Republican congressman welcomed the warming of relations between Morocco and Israel, saying that "these relations are already creating new opportunities for peace and prosperity. The relationship between Rabat and Washington "will only get stronger in the years to come," he said.

For her part, the Democratic Representative, Ms. Sara Jacobs highlighted the "progress made in the implementation of reforms launched in the Kingdom under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI over the past two decades’’.

"Morocco is a close ally of the United States," she said, reaffirming the mutual commitment of both countries to maintain peace, prosperity and security in the region and the world.