Morocco was the first country to officially recognize the United States after its independence in 1777. The relationship was formalized with the Treaty of Friendship in 1786, signed by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Sultan Muhammad III. It remains the United States’ oldest continuous treaty relationship. At the time, the United States was still fighting the Revolutionary War and had only a small number of international allies. Sultan Muhammad III recognized the new nation, opened Moroccan ports to American ships, and helped establish early Atlantic trade between the two countries. The relationship was formalized with the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1786, negotiated by Thomas Barclay and approved by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Sultan Muhammad III. Ratified in 1787, the treaty protected merchants and ships, promoted commerce, and secured peaceful relations. Still in effect today, it is considered America’s oldest continuous treaty relationship, having endured revolutions, civil wars, world wars, and centuries of political change.(Historic Vids)