In a statement to the press after the interviews, Bourita, who also met with Senator Ben Cardin, distinguished member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said that these talks highlight the excellence and solidity of the exceptional partnership uniting the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America.

The minister said the national issue was at the center of these talks, adding that these US interlocutors have reiterated the constant position of the US Administration describing the autonomy plan in the Sahara as credible, serious and realistic.

In this context, the Minister said that since his accession to the Throne of King Mohammed VI, he has worked with successive US Presidents to establish the solid foundations of this strategic partnership, by the conclusion in 2006 of the free trade agreement and launch in 2012 of the strategic dialogue.

This momentum, continued Mr. Bourita, is also reflected in a co-operation in the security, military and cultural fields, thanks to the mechanisms put in place under the impetus of the Sovereign and the various US presidents.

The Minister also underlined that his visit to Washington was an opportunity to highlight the importance of these bilateral cooperation mechanisms and consolidate them further, taking into account the regional and international situation.

Mr. Bourita added that his American interlocutors, representing both the executive and legislative branches, welcomed Morocco's role in regional, Arab, African and international scenes under the King's leadership.

He emphasized that these talks were an opportunity to praise Morocco as a model of political and economic reforms, in line with the King's vision, and recognize the role of the Kingdom in the fight against terrorism on the basis of a holistic, globally recognized strategy that is not limited to the security and military dimensions.

The minister said that he had noted with the American officials the will to benefit from the experience and multifaceted projection of Morocco in Africa, which is also a priority for the current American administration, said Mr. Bourita.

Mr. Bourita's talks with US officials were also an opportunity to examine the Libyan crisis and highlight the role of Morocco and credibility it enjoys with the various Libyan parties.

-News on Western Sahara issue / Corcas-