In a gesture blending gratitude with flair, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has bestowed the name of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump on a monumental highway linking the southern regions to the disputed territory of Western Sahara. The announcement, made through the official Moroccan news agency, marks a rare moment of praise tailored to Trump’s well-known penchant for personal recognition.

The decision follows a royal decree issued on July 2, where King Mohammed VI expressed his intent to honor Trump’s decisive 2020 decision recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—a move that cemented U.S. support for Rabat’s autonomy plan for the region.

Symbolic Tribute to a Defining Decision

“In tribute to this historic act of friendship and peace, I have decided to name one of Morocco’s most significant road infrastructures after Donald J. Trump,” the monarch wrote in a letter to the former president. The newly christened Autoroute Donald J. Trump spans an impressive 1,055 kilometers, making it the longest roadway in Africa, according to official statements.

This symbolic gesture arrives in the wake of Trump’s 2020 announcement, which endorsed Morocco’s proposal for Western Sahara autonomy in exchange for the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel. The move was a turning point in the decades-long dispute over the territory, recognized by the United Nations as non-self-governing but largely controlled by Morocco.

A Diplomatic Victory in the Desert

In a reciprocal message marking the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascension to the throne, Trump reaffirmed his unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy plan. “The Moroccan proposal remains the only viable foundation for a just and lasting solution,” he stated. “Any alternative path perpetuates the status quo and is unacceptable.”

On his social media platform, Trump celebrated the highway naming, expressing excitement at the prospect of traveling its full length. “Thank you to His Royal Highness King Mohammed VI… What a tremendous honor! I look forward to one day driving the entire route—hopefully soon!” he posted without an official response from Moroccan authorities.

The highway project, initiated by King Mohammed VI in 2015, represents Morocco’s substantial investment in infrastructure across Western Sahara. Currently under development, the route connects Tiznit to Dakhla via Laâyoune, the region’s primary urban hub, with an estimated cost of nearly €850 million.

Aerial footage of the Tiznit-Dakhla axis, showcased in a four-minute video, highlights the scale of the infrastructure, underscoring Morocco’s commitment to integrating the territory through economic development.