Morocco and China sign cooperation deals
Morocco-China, Politics, 12/4/1998

Morocco and China signed here Thursday a package of cooperation deals on the second day of the Moroccan prime minister's visit.

After they held a work session on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern, the two countries' prime ministers, Abderrahmane Youssoufi and Zhu Rongji, initialed the agreements.

China extended Morocco a $ 20 million concessional loan to finance the production of phosphates fertilizers destined to be exported.

The other agreements deal with cooperation in fisheries, civil aviation, geology, mining, energy, culture and trade.

Youssoufi told Moroccan 2nd tv channel "2M" he is seeking to establish "balanced" and "intensified" exchanges between Morocco and China. He added that trade is currently valued at an annual $ 250 million, including 75 % for the benefit of China. He said that talks with Chinese officials covered means to consolidate cooperation in investments, energy, transportation, culture, sports and fisheries.

Speaking following the agreements signing, the head of the Chinese government said Youssoufi's visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of Sino-Moroccan diplomatic relations, which is of special significance. He added that his country appreciates Morocco's position not to conduct official relations with Taiwan, and its support to China on human rights.

China values Morocco's positive role in regional and international affairs and will strengthen coordination and cooperation with Morocco in multi-lateral diplomacy to jointly safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries.

Zhu said China will continue to make efforts to explore new means for bilateral cooperation, and sincerely hopes that Youssoufi's visit will be a success and set a new milestone in bilateral friendship.

Noting that Morocco was one of the first African countries to forge diplomatic ties with China, Zhu said that since the two countries established diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have had a steady development, and the two sides have conducted fruitful cooperation in economy, trade, culture and health-care.

The two nations have also conducted increasing coordination and cooperation in international affairs, added Zhu.

Saying that Morocco is influential among Arab, Islamic and African countries, Zhu noted that China treasures its traditional friendship with Morocco.

He said China respects the political system and development style adopted by the Moroccan government in accordance with its own conditions, and sincerely wishes Morocco greater prosperity.

The Moroccan premier dwelt on the stages covered by Moroccan-Chinese relations and stressed the similarity of struggle waged by the two countries on the international scene for the principles of international justice, independence, territorial integrity and understanding.

He added that the meeting in Beijing, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, is "a meeting of old friends," hailing the two countries' resolve to lift the level of relations and cooperation to the friendship existing between the two countries.

The prime minister is leading a large delegation comprising ministers of transports and merchant navy, Mustapha Mansouri, of energy and mining, Youssef Tahiri, of youth and sports, Ahmed Moussaoui, of fisheries, Thami Khyari and secretary of state in charge of social protection, family and children, Said Saadi. Heads of major state-owned and private enterprises are accompanying Youssoufi.

Economic relations between Morocco and China are weak and are characterized by a trade deficit that exceeded in 1998 1.3 Billion dh ($ 141.3 million) in favor of the Asian giant. Indeed, between 1994 and 1997, the deficit worsened from one billion dh ($ 108.6 million) to 1.3 billion dh ($ 141.3 million) in 1997.

During the first six months of 1998, Morocco imported from China 20,000 tons of tea for a total value of 370 million dh ($ 40.2 million) and exported goods worth 340 million dh ($ 36.9 million).

Morocco's exports are mainly made of phosphates products, essentially natural and industrial fertilizers for a total value of 410 million dh ($ 44.5 million) in 1997 and 300 million Dh ($ 32.6 million) for the first half of 1998. Other exports comprise fish products and cobalt.

China has contributed its technical assistance to several projects in Morocco, mainly the building of a sports compound in Rabat and fishing villages.

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan prime minister starts official visit to China   (12/3/1998)
  Peking backs Rabat's effort to restore Morocco's legitimate rights   (11/3/1998)
  Morocco and China to commemorate 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties   (10/30/1998)

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