The American consulate in Dakhla "will make it possible to support and encourage investment and development projects which will bring concrete benefits" for the populations, particularly those in the Sahara provinces, Fischer pointed out in an interview with MAP.

The US diplomat underlined that the opening of this representation will allow the United States to take greater advantage of Morocco's strategic location as a hub for trade in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

He highlighted in this regard the "daring" leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI who was able to position, with expertise, Morocco as "the economic gateway" to Africa, thanks to free trade agreements signed with countries in Europe, the Middle East and the African continent.

Fischer also stressed that Morocco is the only country in Africa linked to the United States by a free trade agreement.

The historic decision of the United States to recognize the full sovereignty of Morocco over its Sahara was announced Thursday during a telephone call between HM King Mohammed VI and the American President Donald Trump.

As the first result of this sovereign initiative of great importance, the United States decided to open a consulate in Dakhla, with an essentially economic vocation, in order to encourage American investments and to contribute to economic and social development, for the benefit notably of the inhabitants of the southern provinces.