Ambassador Buchan: Reception by King Mohammed VI Marks Personal Milestone, Strong US-Morocco Ties

Rabat – US Ambassador to Morocco Duke Buchan III said he was honored to be received by King Mohammed VI as he presented his letters of credence on Thursday.

“This moment marks not only a personal milestone, but also the enduring partnership between the United States and Morocco, nearly 250 years of friendship rooted in shared history and mutual respect,” the ambassador said.

King Mohammed VI received Buchan alongside several other foreign ambassadors who presented their credentials on Thursday at Rabat’s royal palace.

The ambassador emphasized the importance of the royal reception, stressing his commitment to working to strengthen US-Morocco ties and advancing prosperity, security, and opportunity for “both our peoples.”

Since his appointment by US President Donald Trump last year in March, Buchan has been vocal about Morocco’s importance as a strategic ally and partner to the US in various areas, including security.

The US Senate confirmed him as the new American ambassador to Morocco in October of the same year.

In July 2025, Buchan expressed commitment to capitalize on the already flourishing bilateral ties between the two countries in his confirmation hearing.

“If confirmed, my highest priority will be the safety and security of American citizens in Morocco,” he said, describing Morocco as a key ally to the US.

In May of this year,  the ambassador made key remarks outlining Morocco-US ties, and recalled US steadfast support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces.

“We count on Morocco. Morocco counts on us. From Tangier to Dakhla, we stand with Morocco. President Trump is clear in his support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara,” Buchan III said during the opening ceremony of the new consulate compound in Casablanca. 

He also stressed his country’s position, stating the dispute over Western Sahara should be resolved “Now… Not tomorrow. The window will close. We owe it to all the people of this region. The path to peace is clear. Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal is the only solution,” the ambassador said.