USA and Morocco are strong partners: President Obama

US president Barack Obama said, on Wednesday, that his country and Morocco are strong partners engaged in diplomatic, military, economic and public diplomacy efforts which consolidate their mutual interests and reinforce their long-standing ties.

He added, during an audience he granted to the new Moroccan ambassador to the USA who submitted his credentials, that bilateral relations are excellent, and that Rabat is the oldest friend of the United States, with their ties dating back to 1787 when they signed a peace and friendship treaty, Moroccan foreign ministry said in a statement.

Mr. Obama voiced conviction that Washington and Rabat will continue working together to explore new avenues for cooperation, hailing the reforms instituted by Morocco in the area of democracy and good governance.

He said that the two countries will continue to engage in all efforts aimed at promoting progress and stability for both of them and advancing issues of common interest as well as deepen bilateral friendship.