Moroccan premier meets Canadian peer
Morocco-Canada, Politics, 4/5/2002

Moroccan Prime Minister, Abderrahmane youssoufi, conferred Wednesday evening in Rabat with Canada's prime minister, Jean Chretien on a set of issues with special emphasis on the Sahara issue and the situation in the Middle East.

Youssoufi told reporters he discussed with the Canadian Premier the Moroccan Sahara issue and hailed Canada's stand on the matter.

Talks also covered the tragic situation in Palestine, Youssoufi said, adding that both sides voiced worry over this situation and stressed the need to implement UN security council resolution 1402.

The Canadian Premier voiced backing to the establishment of two states, Palestine and Israel. There is room for two countries in this territory, he said, stressing the need to continue implementing the Oslo accords between Israelis and Palestinians.

The two sides equally discussed bilateral relations and the new partnership initiative for Africa's development (NEPAD), Youssoufi said, renewing Morocco's backing to this initiative.

Later in the evening, Youssoufi hosted a dinner in honor of the Canadian Premier during which he stressed the urgent need for Israel to stop its aggression against the Palestinian people and respond favorably to the Arab peace initiative. Youssoufi deplored the painful events in Palestine and warned that this dangerous situation is compromising peace and threatening security in the whole region. He recalled that Canada recognizes the Palestinian people's right to self-rule and to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, hailing this stand and Canada's contribution to establishing peace in the region. Youssoufi also hailed Canada's contribution, part of international efforts, to Africa's development and called for larger mobilization of the international community at Africa's side.

Chretien is undertaking this April 2-12 a tour in seven African countries, including besides Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Senegal.

The African tour is part of Canada's preparations for the G8 most industrialized countries summit, to be held next June 26-27 in Kananaskis (Western Canada).

The leaders of the most industrialized countries and Russia had decided in their summit in Genoa, Italy, to adopt a work plan for Africa and support the NEPAD.

Previous Stories:
  King Mohammed receives Canada's prime minister   (4/2/2002)
  Canadian Premier in Morocco   (3/27/2002)
  Canadian premier on African tour next month   (3/2/2002)

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