U.S. Conference of Mayors President Hails Royal Vision in Developing Moroccan Sahara’s Cities

The President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Andrew Ginther, hailed the “wisdom” of HM King Mohammed VI to focus on the cities of Morocco particularly in the Moroccan Sahara. “The wisdom of His Majesty to focus on the cities of Morocco, the development of the cities throughout Morocco, particularly in the Sahara, is exemplary,” Ginther told the press following his meeting, here Tuesday, with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita. The visit by the delegation of American mayors, which falls within the framework of the twinning agreements between the American cities of Arlington and Columbus with Laayoune and Dakhla respectively, is “a great opportunity to witness firsthand the progress achieved in Morocco under the leadership of HM the King,” noted Ginther, who is also mayor of Columbus, Ohio. “Our visit will also take us to the Moroccan Sahara, where two MoUs will be signed with the cities of Dakhla and Laayoun,” he stated. Recalling that the U.S. officially recognizes Morocco’s full sovereignty over its Sahara, Ginther said that he was “looking forward” to meeting with elected officials from the region to “hear about the Autonomy Plan and explore ways and means to collaborate.” The U.S. delegation discussed the importance of local cooperation and development with Bourita, Ginther said, adding that Morocco “is America’s oldest friend and we’re pleased to reaffirm today our strategic relationship.” In this respect, he said that promoting cooperation is” essential” for strengthening bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the U.S. as it promotes “innovative, community driven solutions for shared challenges.” For his part, Jim Ross, Mayor of Arlington, Texas, pointed out that the American delegation’s visit was intended to “help nurture the wonderful relationship” between the United States and Morocco. “Those relationships give us an opportunity to be better together. That’s what we believe as part of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and as Mayors,” he said.