Morocco, Greece to enhance political consultations
Morocco-Greece, Politics, 4/25/2001

Morocco and Greece signed in Rabat Tuesday a memorandum of understanding meant to foster a spirit of dialogue and regular consultation on all issues of mutual concern.

The memorandum, initialed by visiting Greek foreign minister, Georges Papandreou, and his Moroccan peer, Mohamed Benaissa, provides for regular meetings between the two departments senior officials who will probe bilateral relations and assess implementation of existing accords.

The two sides will hold consultations on security and cooperation in Europe and the Mediterranean, particularly in the frame of the organization for security and cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and on relations between Morocco and the European Union.

During the signing ceremony, Benaissa stressed the need to enhance bilateral economic and cultural relations and said the two countries must join efforts to materialize the goals of the Barcelona process, mainly through the establishment of an area of peace and shared prosperity. Morocco is relying on the backing of its European partners to promote its economy in the prospect of the Morocco-Europe free trade area projected for 2012, he said.

Benaissa also hailed as "wise and constructive" Greece's stand regarding Morocco's territorial integrity and lauded its efforts to promote peace and stability in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Touching on the situation in the Middle East, Benaissa renewed Morocco's deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and said "Morocco vehemently condemns the disproportionate use of force by Israeli authorities against Palestinian civilians."

Benaissa also called for an immediate end to the "inhuman embargo" imposed on Iraq which claimed thousands of victims.

Georges Papandreou, who is currently on an official visit to Morocco, said the two countries can establish exemplary partnership relations in various sectors, such as tourism and fisheries and underlined Morocco's assets as a platform binding the Mediterranean, the Arab World, Europe and Africa.

Papandreou also voiced Greece's determination to enhance its relations with Arab countries and particularly with Morocco at a meeting with Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi.

"Greece is a friend of Arab states and we appreciate its backing to the Palestinian cause," Youssoufi told the Moroccan TVM channel after the meeting.

Previous Stories:
  Greek FM pays official visit to Morocco Tuesday   (4/24/2001)
  Morocco, Greece determined to upgrade cooperation   (3/1/2000)
  Greek foreign minister in Rabat in march   (2/1/1999)

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