Trump awards the King of Morocco the prestigious Order of Merit

MENA

Published: 2021-01-16 09:38

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 18:02


Photo: Morocco World News
Photo: Morocco World News

Friday, the outgoing US President Donald Trump awarded King Mohammed VI of Morocco the prestigious Order of Merit for his "positive influence" on the political scene in the Middle East, referring in particular to the normalization of relations with the Israeli Occupation.

The White House said in a statement that "King Mohammed VI worked to strengthen the permanent and deep partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States in all fields."

He added, "His vision, his courage, and especially his decision to resume relations with the State of Israel had a positive impact on the (political) scene in the Middle East and North Africa," which represents "the beginning of a new era of security and prosperity" for the United States and Morocco.

The White House said that the Medal of Merit is a military medal given to honor the completion of an exceptional mission, or to foreign officials, and it can only be awarded by the president.

Dec. 10, Trump announced that Morocco had pledged to normalize its relations with the Israeli Occupation and that the United States recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI confirmed the matter, describing Washington’s decision on Western Sahara as a "historic position."

Netanyahu also welcomed a "historic" agreement with Morocco.