On July 17, 1987, the USPS issued its first joint issue with Morocco, commemorating 200 years of diplomatic relations. On December 20, 1777, Morocco was the first country to give a naval salute to the U.S., even before it was an independent nation. Formal relations began with the ratification of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship on July 18, 1787. The treaty was renegotiated in 1836 and remains in force today.