French president: Morocco's choices will lead to economic development, social progress
Morocco-France, Politics, 10/9/2003

French president, Jacques Chirac, who is paying a state visit to Morocco this October 9-11, said "the path chosen by H.M. King Mohammed VI is the one of wisdom and will lead to the promotion of economic development and social progress."

"Morocco has made a bold choice for modernity and democratization," said the French president who hailed the Moroccan experience "as a rare example of a country that chose to open onto the world while respecting its deep identity."

The head of the French state told MAP in an exclusive interview the Kingdom, which has always succeeded in "striking this fragile but necessary balance between respecting its traditions and values and openness onto the world, is, in today's world, a precious example."

He further explained that to confront "urgent needs and threats, as the terrible terrorist attacks of Casablanca (last May) have shown, Morocco is seeking means to meet them by implementing, with courage and resolve, under the leadership of H.M. Mohammed VI, a process of economy modernization and democratic life deepening."

He cited in this regard the atmosphere of last September's local elections which, like last year's legislative polls, "produced evidence to the deepening of the democratic process." "France is happy to see Morocco take the path of freedom, responsibility and consolidation of the rule of law," went the French president. Chirac further expressed his country's support to Morocco saying "it's only natural that France stands by Morocco, supports and encourages it in pursuing the path it has selected" and stressing that his visit is "an opportunity to express France's confidence in Morocco, its active and brotherly solidarity and its will to consolidate the strategic partnership binding it to the Kingdom."

Regarding Morocco-France relations, which Chirac described as "exceptional in their quality and density," the French president explained how bilateral ties are old and deriving roots from common past, and how they are being reinforced to become a genuine partnership.

Previous Stories:
  French president on state visit to Morocco this week   (10/8/2003)
  Morocco, France relations are exemplary, French former fm   (9/30/2003)
  French association condemns Polisario crimes and stops sending aid   (9/20/2003)

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