On June 19th, 2000, H.M. Mohammed VI, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem, embarked on his first visit to the United States, as a King, at the invitation of President Bill Clinton. This royal visit was distinguished by discussions held between the sovereign and President Clinton, as well as by a ceremony honoring the King’s honorary doctorate from George Washington University. In addition to a State dinner hosted by President Clinton at the White House in Washington, His Majesty attended a luncheon hosted by former Secretary of State Mrs. Madeleine Albright as well as a luncheon hosted by the United States Congress.
His Majesty's visit also included receptions by various Arab-American organizations, meetings with international figures such as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and the Director-General of the World Bank, and a visit to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.