Morocco Renames Highway in Honor of Former President Trump
Recent reports from Moroccan media indicate that the 1,055-kilometer highway connecting Tiznit to Dakhla has been officially renamed the "Donald J. Trump Highway." This significant gesture has prompted a response from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed his gratitude to King Mohammed VI through a message shared on his social media platform, Truth Social. In his statement, Trump referred to the renaming as a profound honor and conveyed his desire to personally travel along this route in the future. The decision to rename the highway appears to be linked to the U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed region of Western Sahara.
As of now, neither the Moroccan state news agency MAP nor the royal cabinet has confirmed this renaming. The information currently relies on reports from local media and the public comments made by Trump.
Infrastructure Development and Diplomatic Ties
The newly named Donald J. Trump Highway serves as a vital infrastructure project that links Tiznit through Guelmim and Laâyoune to Dakhla. The estimated cost of this ambitious undertaking ranges from 9 to 10 billion dirhams, equivalent to around one billion U.S. dollars. This highway is divided into three sections and encompasses a total of 16 major engineering structures, including Morocco's longest viaduct. Additionally, the project features modern signage, rest areas, and logistics facilities aimed at supporting the fishing sector. Beyond enhancing the movement of goods and people, the highway is designed to reduce traffic accidents, thereby improving overall road safety.
Alongside his announcement, Trump shared a video titled "Donald J. Trump Highway: The Path to Peace and Prosperity," which highlights the technical features of the road. This transport initiative dates back to a development model initiated in 2015 for Morocco's southern provinces. It aims to facilitate the transportation of goods to the upcoming Dakhla Atlantic port and is part of a royal initiative to provide Sahel states with access to the Atlantic Ocean.
The renaming of the highway also underscores the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Morocco and the United States. Morocco was the first country to recognize U.S. independence in 1777 and signed a peace and friendship treaty in 1786 that remains in effect today.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
