U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is scheduled to visit Morocco in early December for bilateral talks aimed at strengthening the two countries’ ties.

“Secretary Pompeo will travel to Morocco, December 4-5, to meet with a range of government officials to review our countries’ strong economic and security partnership.  Secretary Pompeo will also discuss areas for future U.S.-Moroccan cooperation within the framework of the U.S.-Morocco Strategic Dialogue.” a statement from the Department of State said.

"It's one of our strongest partners in the region and I'm looking forward to reviewing our countries strong economic security partnerships and discussing future areas of cooperation.” Pompeo said on Thursday.

Pompeo visit to the North African country will be part of a wider diplomatic trip that will also see him visit the U.K., and Portugal.

Morocco and the U.S, enjoy strong relations that have spun years.

Earlier this month, U.S. First Lady Ivanka Trump made a three-day visit to promote the economic empowerment of women in developing countries.

Ivanka's predecessor, Michelle Obama, also travelled to Morocco in 2016 to highlight the U.S. Government's work to help adolescent girls go to school and stay in school

The U.S. has a strong economic presence in the country, with more than 120 American companies operating there.

Pompeo's visit to Morocco comes following an October meeting with the country's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Washington.

The two sides discussed the joint efforts to combat terrorism in Africa, and in particular to secure the enduring defeat of IS (Islamic State), by enhancing the capacity of security services in the region, including through a joint platform for security cooperation.

Source: U.S State Department