For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 8, 2004
President Welcomes King Mohamed VI of Morrocco to the White House
The President welcomed to the White House today King Mohamed VI of
Morocco, a great friend to the American people. The two leaders
reviewed the excellent state of bilateral relations, including ways to
make the most of the upcoming Free Trade Agreement, Morocco's new
status as a Major Non-NATO Ally, and Morocco's effort to achieve
eligibility for the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA).
The President emphasized to King Mohamed his desire to see the Free
Trade Agreement ratified this year and to see Morocco meet MCA
eligibility standards as soon as possible. Countries like Morocco are
leaders in advancing the cause of peace and prosperity, and deserve our
full support.
The leaders also discussed Iraq, Middle East peace, cooperation in
the global war on terrorism, positive developments in Libya, and the
Western Sahara. The President and His Majesty discussed ways Morocco
can exert its leadership and privileged position of trust and
confidence to help advance the cause of Middle East peace. The two
leaders agreed on the need to resolve the Western Sahara problem as
soon as possible in a manner that best enhances the security and
prosperity of the people of Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania.
Also exchanged were views on the Broader Middle East and North
Africa initiatives recently adopted by the G-8 and at the U.S.-EU and
NATO summits. The President thanked King Mohamed for Morocco's support
for, and participation in, these important efforts. The President also
commended the King's visionary leadership in enhancing the economic and
political opportunities for all Moroccans. The United States welcomes
the King's recent initiatives to advance social and cultural progress
in Morocco, as well as his laudable leadership in ensuring equal
participation by women in all sectors of Moroccan society.
America is lucky to have a friend such as Morocco, and thanks His
Majesty King Mohamed VI for his leadership.
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