Morocco determined to fructify cooperation with African countries
Morocco-Africa, Politics, 6/7/1999

Morocco said it was determined to fructify economic cooperation with five African countries toured last week by Moroccan Prime Minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi.

The accords concluded with the visited countries, namely Senegal, Guinea, Cote D'Ivoire, Gabon and Burkina Faso, will be actively followed up, Youssoufi told the press aboard the plane carrying him back home.

The tour was crowned by the conclusion of 36 accords and protocols, including 17 between the Moroccan state and the governments of the visited countries. The others were concluded among private operators.

"We have the intention to set time-tables and programs for the materialization of these numerous accords," Youssoufi said.

The Prime Minister also announced that Morocco will start shortly negotiations with the Western African Economic and Monetary Union for the conclusion of a cooperation accord with the grouping.

Youssoufi said the tour's prime objective was not to rally support for Morocco's rights over the Sahara. He explained that Senegal, Guinea, Cote D'Ivoire, Gabon and Burkina Faso are known for their unconditional support to Morocco's national cause and territorial integrity. The visit was aimed to express thanks to these countries about their constant backing to Morocco and they have all voiced determination to continue their backing to Morocco's legitimate rights, Youssoufi said.

Youssoufi also touched on Morocco's relations with Algeria, saying that his call on the Algerian officials to open borders with Morocco is still valid.

"We will maintain our proposal and we are hopeful that borders will be opened," he said.

Youssoufi's call has so far been unheeded by the Algerians, who closed borders with Morocco in 1994 in retaliation to a Moroccan decision to impose visa requirements to Algerians wishing to visit Morocco.

Morocco took the decision after Algerian-born French nationals perpetrated in 1994 a terrorist attack against a luxury hotel in Marrakesh (Southern Morocco). The attack claimed the life of two Spanish tourists.

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan premier starts African tour   (5/29/1999)
  Moroccan premier starts African tour on Saturday   (5/28/1999)

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