Mubarak, Mohamad VI discuss bilateral relations, Arab cooperation
Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 5/24/2000

"President Hosni Mubarak and visiting King Mohammed VI of Morocco Tuesday held their second meeting within the context of the Egyptian-Moroccan Summit," Foreign Minister Amr Moussa told reporters following a one-on-one meeting held by the two leaders.

"Mubarak and Mohammed VI tackled bilateral relations and means to deal with some problems facing bilateral trade balance," Moussa said.

"Progress has been achieved on tourism movement between Cairo and Rabat together with exchange of visits between the two countries, top officials in investment and services sectors," he added.

"The agreements signed Tuesday along with the previous ones, will help foster cooperation between the two countries at all levels," he pointed out.

"Talks also took up the present situation in the Arab World, solidarity and Arab coordination in various fields especially in the political and economic ones. Issues pertaining to the projected Arab Summit and its agenda were also examined," he further said.

"The two leaders also tackled a host of African issues including the Euro- African Summit Conference held recently in Cairo," Moussa told reporters.

Asked if talks between the two leaders covered the issue of Egypt's joining the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), Moussa said Egypt's stance remains unchanged when it comes to activities and relations among north African countries which are all Arab states. "Egypt believes that it is important to maintain good relations with the AMU's members. Coordination is maintained and continuous among all north African countries within European, north African or Arab frameworks," he added.

Moussa said the 6 agreements, concluded yesterday, represent the legal and institutional framework for cooperation between Egypt and Morocco whether in terms of the government, organizations or private sector.

"The visit of Moroccan King Mohammed VI to Egypt is successful and highly important," said Moussa following his talks with his Moroccan counterpart Mohammed Benaissa.

At a press conference Tuesday, Moussa said that meetings of the Egyptian-Moroccan higher committee tackled issues on the political, economic and cultural domains.

He added that his meeting with Ben Issa dwelt on African-Mediterranean issues.

On threats by Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy to reoccupy land from which his country was pulling out, Moussa briefly noted that the Israeli withdrawal was of great importance. He warned that if it was not completed, it would have very serious consequences.

Moussa and Benaissa discussed Arab and north African issues as well as joint action on the Euro- Mediterranean domain.

Benaissa described as "gloomy" the current peace atmosphere. He voiced concern that the situation could get worse.

On the outcome of the London-based meetings on the Western Sahara, the top Moroccan diplomat said parties concerned agreed to resume meetings with UN Envoy James Baker to present proposals on means to overcome obstacles facing the settlement of the issue.

Asked about the role of the Morocco-based Jerusalem Committee, Benaissa said the committee is doing its best to overcome inter-Islamic disagreements for the good of the Palestinian rights in Jerusalem.

Benaissa denied all claims of starting an airline between Morocco and Israel, an Egyptian statement said.

Previous Stories:
  King Mohammed visits sixth october city and artistic production city   (5/23/2000)
  Arab Summit on Agenda of Mubarak- Mohammed VI   (5/23/2000)
  King Mohammed, President Mubarak hold second private meeting tuesday   (5/23/2000)

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