Covington’s Stuart Eizenstat Addresses Atlantic Council Forum

Covington’s Stuart Eizenstat Addresses Atlantic Council Forum

November 26, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC, November 26, 2013 —The Atlantic Council’s Africa Center recently hosted a forum on advancing a strategic partnership between the United States and Morocco that featured Stuart Eizenstat, co-chair of Covington’s international trade and finance practice.

The council held its “Advancing the New US-Morocco Strategic Partnership” forum in advance of a diplomatic meeting between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Barack Obama on November 22.

Mr. Eizenstat, former Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs during the Clinton administration and Atlantic Council executive committee member, provided an overview of U.S.-Moroccan relations. He emphasized that the U.S. will only be successful if it works with others in the region in a manner that strengthens respect for its role.

“All of us who know Morocco recognize it as one of the United States’ oldest diplomatic friends and one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally fascinating countries,” Mr. Eizenstat said. “What we may not see as clearly are the critical values and traits we share, or the importance at this tumultuous time in the Middle East of working together to get lasting results on issues key to the interests and well-being of both countries.”

“Morocco’s history, regional presence and relationships, and moderate, inclusive approaches give it unique abilities that we should recognize,” Mr. Eizenstat said. By working together, Morocco could help the U.S. monitor and secure Iran’s commitments to the international community; deploy effective approaches to end the Syria conflict; and promote growth, pluralism, and the rule of law, he said.

The Atlantic Council event featured a keynote address from Morocco‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation H.E. Salaheddine Mezouar. Other speakers included: Nizar Baraka, president of the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council; Meryem Bensaleh Chekroun, president of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises; and Mohamed Salah Tamek, chief of staff of the Minister of the Interior.