The United States Embassy in Morocco begins a new era with the appointment of career diplomat Aimee Cutrona to the position of charge d’affaires.
The appointment of Cutrona as US charge d’affaires in Morocco comes as Marco Rubio, Trump’s new Secretary of State, reaffirmed, on January 15, the recognition by the United States of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara .
This change comes in a global context marked by major political and strategic events, at the dawn of Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration.
Aimee Cutrona succeeds Ambassador Puneet Talwar, who completed her diplomatic mission on Sunday after more than two years of service as US envoy to Morocco. A graduate of the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and Smith College, Cutrona brings a wealth of experience acquired during varied assignments in Bahrain, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Qatar and Egypt.
Since arriving in Rabat in July 2022 as deputy head of mission, she has played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Morocco. This transition symbolizes the continuity and evolution of a historic partnership, while marking a new stage in diplomatic cooperation.
Cutrona’s inauguration coincides with Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration, scheduled for today in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington. This choice of location, motivated by frigid weather forecasts, recalls Ronald Reagan’s historic inauguration in 1985, when similar temperatures forced logistical adjustments.
Despite this change, the event generated considerable excitement with record fundraising reaching $170 million. Technology leaders, such as Tim Cook, Mark Zuckerberg and Sam Altman, have provided financial support, reflecting the economic and political importance of this inauguration.
-Under the new administration, relations between the United States and Morocco appear destined to strengthen further. Marco Rubio, selected as future Secretary of State, reaffirmed during his hearing in the Senate on January 15 the support of the United States for Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. This position, established in 2020 under the aegis of Donald Trump, remains a pillar of bilateral relations.
Morocco, the first country to recognize independence from the United States in 1777, continues to play a crucial role in regional stability and global trade. As a major non-NATO ally and the only African nation with a free trade agreement with the United States, the kingdom is a leading strategic partner.
Aimee Cutrona inherits an ambitious roadmap aimed at strengthening the areas of security, economic development and environmental initiatives. The update of the CIA maps, integrating the Sahara as an integral part of Morocco, reflects the strategic alignment between the two nations.
This partnership is echoed in the progress made through the Abraham Accords, which created new economic and diplomatic opportunities. Joe Wilson, chairman of the US-Moroccan caucus, praised this unique bond, calling Morocco “a essential partner of the United States for 250 years ».
MK/ac/Sf/APA
