Morocco - Government During 1990 bilateral agreements on economic co-operation were concluded by Morocco with Algeria and Libya, and there were further discussions within the UMA on the formation of a North African free-trade area. However, there were political disagreements over Algeria´s continued support for the Polisario Front, and over Morocco´s condemnation of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. Relations between Morocco and Algeria improved in early 1992, following the nomination of Muhammad Boudiafas Chairman of Algeria´s High Council of State, and remained co-operative despite the assassination of president Boudiaf in June. Following the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, in August 1990, the Moroccan Government condemned the action and announced that it would provide troops to defend Saudi Arabia against any possible further aggression. By December some 1,500 Moroccan troops were stationed in Saudi Arabia as part of the multinational force. However, in January 1991, in response to pro-Iraqi demonstrations in Morocco, the Government gave implicit support to a one-day general strike, organized by the principal Moroccan-trade unions to express solidarity with the Iraqi people. Late his majesty King Hassan II (1929-1999 ), king of Morocco (1961- July 23, 1999), born in Rabat on July 9, 1929, the son of Muhammed V. Hassan received his education in Rabat and qualified for the licentiate in law. The following year Hassan was invested as crown prince and made commander in chief of the Moroccan army. He was minister of defense and vice-premier from 1960 until his ascension to the throne, on his father´s death in February 1961. As king, Hassan instituted many social and economic reforms and sought greater unity with the other Arab countries of North Africa. Morocco enjoys a close relationship with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States, which provide signifiant financial support. King Hassan has taken a leading role in Middle Eastern affairs, repeatedly calling for an Arab-Israeli summit and in 1986 meeting with Israel Prime Minister Shimon Peres Calling his departed father "the Prince of the Faithful," King Mohammed VI was sworn in only hours after his father´s death. A four-star general and coordinator of the Morocco´s armed forces, the new king holds a degree in international law from a French university. Sidi Mohammed was described as quiet, studious and interested in art, literature and new technology. Sources said the young ruler King Mohammed VI was secretly married, in keeping with Moroccan and Islamic custom. For further information about the Moroccan Royal Family, please click here: Governmental site Morocco has a tradition of amity with the United States -the 1787 Treaty of Peace and Friendship constitutes the longest unbroken treat relationship in U.S. history. U.S. and Moroccan foreign-policy objectives have coincided on Middle Eastern issues, religious tolerance, and resistance to communist aggression. The U.S supports Moroccan efforts to develop an effective administrative program and aids social and economic progress with direct grants and loans, Agency for International Development (AID) programs, and large presence of Peace Corps volunteers. For its part, Morocco agrees to regular U.S. Navy visits to strategic sites on the Strait of Gibraltar and grant the U.S. Air Force rights of transit through its air fields.