US Congress announces creation of congressional morocco caucus
Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/24/2003

The US Congress announced Tuesday the creation of a Congressional Morocco Caucus that aims to promote strategic relations binding Morocco and the US.

Rep. Phil English, one of four co-chairmen of the caucus that was founded at the initiative of congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, said the parliamentary group is a step forward toward the conclusion of a free trade agreement and will reinforce Moroccan-US historic relations that date back to 1777.

In addition to investment and business opportunities which the FTA, that is currently being negotiated in Washington, will open to both countries, the agreement may transform Morocco into a hub for regional trade given its geo-strategic location, English noted. Moroccan delegate minister for foreign affairs and cooperation and chief negotiator for the FTA with the USA, Taib Fassi Fihri, told the caucus members that their adherence to the fresh group evidences that they share Morocco's approach, vision and determination to cement bilateral partnership, adding that the US decision to conclude an FTA with the north African country, confirms its support to the important economic, political and social reforms currently being conducted in Morocco under the aegis of king Mohammed VI. In this vein, he said the new caucus' support for the anticipated agreement "is crucial, because negotiations are delicate in certain areas."

For his part, U.S. trade representative, Robert Zoellick, reiterated support to the agreement, stressing that it will open the world's largest market for Moroccan products.

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