EU official wraps up visit to Morocco
Morocco-European Union, Politics, 7/5/2001

European Union high representative for foreign policy and common security, Javier Solana, left Rabat on Wednesday afternoon, after a two-day visit to the kingdom at the invitation of foreign affairs and cooperation minister, Mohamed Benaissa.

Solan was received by prince Moulay Rachid and reviewed with Benaissa bilateral relations and other regional and international issues.

Talks also covered the Sahara issue, mainly as the security council endorsed last week the UN secretary general's new proposals for a political settlement of the issue. Solana said the EU backs the political option which Solana called "positive action."

Owing to its credibility, stability and political, economic and social dynamism, Morocco is an unavoidable partner of the European Union, Solana told MAP, adding the Union wants to give to its political relations with Morocco the weight that the kingdom deserves.

Solana's spokeswoman said relations with Morocco are a crucial primacy as the two sides have good economic and trade relations but need to develop political dialogue. She added that the EU official also talked with Moroccan officials on changes induced by the EU's enlargement and proposed that Morocco hosts a conference with candidates to the EU membership (eastern and central European countries) in order to help these countries know about the EU policy in Morocco and Morocco's interests.

Solana also welcomed the signing in Morocco of a joint declaration setting up a free-trade area with Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan.

Previous Stories:
  Havier Solana arrives in Morocco   (7/4/2001)
  EU foreign policy and security official in Morocco   (7/2/2001)
  EU commissioner says he leaves Morocco with clear ideas of common relations   (7/2/2001)

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