Moroccan king's letter confirms naming of major highway in honour of Trump
Morocco has officially named a major highway after former US President Donald Trump, a decision confirmed by a letter from King Mohammed VI. This honor is a personal expression of the King's high regard for Trump's 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a disputed territory.
Why it matters
This act solidifies the diplomatic ties forged during the Trump administration, particularly regarding the contentious Western Sahara issue, and highlights Morocco's strategic alignment with the US on regional matters. It also underscores the ongoing geopolitical significance of the Western Sahara conflict.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, King Mohammed VI's letter to the US president praised his recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara
A letter from Morocco's King Mohammed VI has confirmed that the country has named a major highway after US President Donald Trump.
Last week, in a social media post, Trump thanked the king for the honour, but there was not a parallel announcement from the Moroccan authorities.
But Morocco's state press agency has published a letter the king wrote to the president telling him that the name-change was taking place as "a personal expression of my high regard".
Formerly the Tiznit-Dakhla highway, the road enters Western Sahara, most of which Morocco occupies and claims sovereignty over. But part is controlled by the Polisario Front, an armed group seeking independence for the local Sahrawi people.
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