U.S. welcomes Morocco's pledge of reforms

The United States on Thursday welcomed the pledge of reforms made by Morocco's King Mohammed VI in response to demonstrations engulfing the kingdom, Xinhua reported.

"The United States welcomes the announcement by King Mohammed VI outlining his pledge to ongoing democratic development through constitutional, judicial and political reforms," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

In his first speech late Wednesday since demonstrations broke out in several towns of the North African state on Feb. 20 demanding constitutional reforms and limits on the monarch powers, King Mohammed VI promised a sweeping constitutional reform, including real powers for a popularly elected prime minister.

The king also pledged "expanded individual and collective liberties and the reinforcement of human rights in all dimensions" as well as "an independent judiciary."

The White House statement also said the United States "values Morocco as a key strategic partner."