Morocco and Brazil deem 'promising' possibility to start negotiations on fta
Morocco-Brazil, Politics, 4/15/2004

Morocco and Brazil have deemed "promising" the possibility to embark on negotiations for the conclusion of a preferential trade agreement as a first step to be followed by the creation of a free trade zone between the kingdom and the Mercosur, a regional South American market made up of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

A joint communique published at the end of a two-day visit (April 12-13) to Brazil of Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, said the two countries pledged to give a new impetus to bilateral economic cooperation by providing the necessary conditions for an increase of the trade volume. In this respect, a Moroccan businessmen delegation will be dispatched to Brazil this year.

Benaissa who met his Brazilian counterpart Celso Amorim, said Morocco was in favor of "a reform of the United nations Security Council, for a better representation of the developing world."

He added that Morocco considers as "fundamental" the presence of a Latin America permanent representative in the Security council.

The minister also voiced Morocco's support to efforts by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, to raise the International Community's awareness on the need to eradicate famine and poverty in the world.

The Brazilian FM on his part praised the reforms engaged in Morocco under the leadership of King Mohammed VI for the "construction of a modern and democratic society, and his positive contribution to peace, stability and social justice in the world."

He also hailed the monarch's initiative in favor of South-South cooperation.

Talks between the two ministers also touched on regional and international issues such as the Sahara issue with both of them reaffirming their "support to the United Nations Security Council's decisions to reach a lasting and negotiated political settlement between the parties," in an allusion to the dispute opposing the Kingdom to the Algerian-backed separatist movement "Polisario." The latter is claiming the independence of this former Spanish colony retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid accords signed with Spain and Mauritania.

During his visit, Benaissa delivered a message from King Mohammed VI to President Lula.

Previous Stories:
  Message from King Mohammed to Brazilian president   (4/14/2004)
  King Mohammed receives Brazilian envoy   (8/1/2003)
  Moroccan premier meets Brazilian culture minister   (6/11/2003)

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