America appreciates Moroccan support after September 11 attacks

Morocco's King Mohammed VI received a delegation of US congressmen and staffers in the Royal Palace of Casablanca Thursday. The delegation was led by leader of the Democrat party in the U.S. House of Representatives, Richard Gephardt.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mohammed Benaissa, and Director of the Royal Cabinet, Mohamed Rochdi Chraibi, were present in the audience.

Other visiting Congressmen include Ray LaHood, Ciro Rodriguez, Henry Waxman and Leonard Boswell, accompanied by American Ambassador in Rabat, Margaret Tutwiler.

America is deeply appreciative of the support and help it received of Morocco since Sep. 11th, U.S congressman, Richard Gephardt, said in a press statement made after the King.

Gephardt said the delegation had a very cordial and successful meeting with the king. "We deeply appreciate the king and the people of Morocco's sympathizing and understanding the tragedy that happened in America on September 11th."

Morocco is one of the first countries to have recognized the USA as an independent country over 250 years ago and the two countries have had a close and important relationship ever since, said Gephardt who is the minority leader at the House of Representatives before expressing hope that the "US will be constructive partner with Morocco and its people to bring about further economic investments and development."