Moroccan king's letter confirms naming of major highway in honour of Trump
The highway enters Western Sahara, a disputed territory that Morocco claims sovereignty over.
A letter from King Mohammed VI of Morocco has officially confirmed the naming of a major highway in honor of former US President Donald Trump.
Last week, Trump had expressed gratitude for the honor in a social media post, but Moroccan authorities had not made a corresponding public announcement. However, Morocco's state press agency has now released a letter from the King to President Trump, stating that the name change was enacted as "a personal expression of my high regard."
The highway, previously known as the Tiznit-Dakhla highway, extends into Western Sahara. Morocco occupies and claims sovereignty over most of this territory, while a portion is controlled by the Polisario Front, an armed group advocating for the independence of the local Sahrawi people.
In 2020, during Trump's first administration, the US recognized Morocco's claim over the disputed region. This recognition was part of a deal in which Morocco agreed to normalize relations with Israel.
King Mohammed's letter, dated July 2 but published over the weekend, highlighted what he termed the US president's "historic recognition... of Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara." He stated that this recognition would "forever be etched in the memory of Moroccans, from generation to generation."
The King further added, "Although our relations have always been rooted in close friendship and constant loyalty, they have never been as vigorous and fruitful as during your two presidential terms."
The monarch described the 1,055km (655 mile) highway as a "strategic axis" connecting "north and south of Morocco." Morocco refers to Western Sahara as its "southern provinces."
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is classified as a "non-self-governing territory" by the UN. It has been the subject of conflict for five decades, making it one of Africa's longest-running disputes. The UN has consistently advocated for a resolution, including a referendum, but the indigenous people of the area have not yet been able to vote on their future. The African Union recognizes Western Sahara's independence.
Until recently, European governments largely avoided taking sides. However, some, including the UK and Spain, have now supported Morocco's proposal to grant Western Sahara autonomy while denying it full independence.
Trump's Truth Social post last week regarding the renaming also included a video about the road, stating that its construction cost nearly $1 billion (£740 million). "I look forward to traveling the entire length of this great highway someday, hopefully soon!" the president wrote.