Antony J. Blinken 71st U.S. Secretary of State | Official Website
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma emphasized the significance of the American Legation in Tangier, Morocco, during a ceremony at the National Museum of American Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has recognized the American Legation as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2024.
Verma highlighted the enduring friendship between America and Morocco, stating that the building, gifted from Morocco to the United States in 1821, "remains a symbol of the friendship between America and Morocco over 200 years later."
The Deputy Secretary also stressed the importance of investing in the preservation of the Legation, noting that "This designation underscores the need for continued investment to maintain the building’s structural integrity and to provide it with a maintenance and operating endowment."
As the Legation is no longer an active diplomatic facility, public funds are not available for its upkeep. To address this, the Fund to Conserve United States Diplomatic Treasures Abroad aims to establish a $10 million preservation endowment to support the maintenance efforts.
Verma concluded by recognizing the American Legation as "a symbol of our longest formal diplomatic relationship and a testament to the United States’ commitment to working with our partners toward greater peace and prosperity around the world."
