In an X (formerly Twitter) post on the evening of June 11, 2026, the US Ambassador to Rabat, Richard Duke Buchan III, expressed his honor at hosting elected officials from Morocco’s southern provinces during the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. “We are deeply grateful to our partners from Laâyoune and Dakhla for attending this milestone event and for their commitment to peace and progress in the region,” he stated.

In the accompanying photograph, the ambassador is seen with key figures: Moulay Hamdi Old Errechid, Mayor of Laâyoune; Ynja El Khattat, President of the Dakhla Oued Eddahab regional council; and Sidi Hamdi Oild Errechid, President of the Laayoune Sakia El Hamra region.

The US Embassy in Rabat hosted a major ceremony at the Chellah in Rabat on June 9, 2026, attended by prominent Moroccan and foreign dignitaries. During his speech, Ambassador Richard Duke Buchan III emphasized the significance of Morocco’s Sahara region: “We support His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision of transforming the Sahara into a hub for transatlantic partnership and opportunity.” He underscored the historic depth of US-Morocco relations, noting, “This partnership, rooted in history and strengthened by trust, is poised to shape the next 250 years, reinforcing economic and human ties between our nations.”