Close Morocco-US relations, a result of exceptional Moroccan progress
Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/28/1998

Moroccan-US relations and interests have never been as closer as they are today, said the US ambassador to Morocco, Edward Gabriel.

In an interview with Moroccan weekly "La Vie Economique," the US diplomat said he is sure that "a close collaboration between the American administration and the Moroccan socialist-led coalition government will benefit Moroccan-US relations."

"We are optimistic and impatient to work with the government of Youssoufi (Morocco's prime minister)," he said.

Voicing the wish to renew and consolidate a new partnership with this government, the US diplomat recalled a statement by US Undersecretary of State Stuart Eizenstat during his visit to Morocco during June, who said "the United States acknowledges that under the leadership of King Hassan II, Morocco has experienced something exceptional that deserves the support of the USA and all the world democratic institutions," referring to the appointment last March of a coalition government led by a socialist prime minister.

The US ambassador added that consultations were undertaken with Moroccan officials to identify "our common interests" and a program was developed to promote trade and investments, education exchanges, military cooperation and social development.

"There are several sectors in the Moroccan market that are interesting for exporters and investors," he added, citing as examples, telecommunications, energy, and finance.

The diplomat also focused on tourism which he termed as "a promising sector," arguing that developing the Moroccan tourism sector will increase the flow of American tourists to Morocco.

Regarding a proposal by Eizenstat to promote trade exchange and investment, he explained that this proposal is important for the development of inter-regional trade in north Africa and therefore for the improvement of economic development in this region in which regional trade only represents 6 to 7 percent of external trade, which is very low compared to the rates of Europe, Asia and the Americas which conduct respectively 60, 30 and 20 percent of their external trade with regional countries.

Furthermore, he went on, development of trade and economic ties in North Africa is "absolutely vital for the prosperity and security of these countries." He added that it was logical to include in the US proposal Egypt and Mauritania, pointing out, regarding Libya, that the initiative must come from Tripoli.

To a question on whether the US initiative would replace the Middle East and North Africa Economic Summits, the diplomat stressed that this new partnership proposal is not meant to replace the MENA conference, adding that Morocco should be proud that this series of US-supported conferences were initiated in Casablanca.

Previous Stories:
  King Hassan II receives Italian foreign minister   (7/28/1998)
  King Hassan praises US peace efforts as P.M. meets American organization   (7/4/1998)
  U.S. Under-Secretary ends 24-Hour visit to Morocco   (6/20/1998)

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