Morocco, Tunisia call for consolidation of Maghreban union
Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 9/20/1999

Morocco and Tunisia have called for the consolidation of the Arab Maghreb Union that they described as "a strategic choice." This came in Rabat between Moroccan prime minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi and Tunisian counterpart Hamed Karoui, who is visiting Morocco to cochair with Youssoufi the 7th session of the Moroccan-Tunisian high joint commission.

The two prime ministers stressed the importance of the union at the turn of the century in view of the various challenges thrown at the region and the need to join efforts to push forward the establishment of a Maghreb, based on solidarity, economic cooperation, neighborliness and non-interference in each other's affairs.

"Morocco makes of the Maghreb construction a strategic option, that is likely to enable us to form strongly-bound partners in the Euro-Mediterranean space and to play our role in favor of peace, stability, and prosperity of our region and its peoples," Youssoufi said adding that the Maghreban regional integration is a prelude to the integration of Maghreban economies in world economy.

In the same vein, Karoui called for the consolidation of the union to enable it take up the challenges at a time regional groupings are proliferating and to consolidate the Maghreb's stand in the partnership negotiations with the European Union.

The two prime ministers, who expressed satisfaction at Moroccan-Tunisian relations and at the enforcement of the free trade accord concluded by the two states last March, called for further efforts to energize bilateral cooperation.

The agreement setting up a free trade area between Morocco and Tunisia was signed on the sidelines of the official visit Tunisia's President paid to Morocco in March 1999. The accord provides for the suppression, with immediate effect, of all duties on some 2,000 non-agricultural products carrying below 10 % customs duty.

The other custom duties will be gradually lowered up to year 2007.

The two prime ministers also called Moroccan and Tunisian businessmen and economic operators to contribute to enhancing economic exchanges.

The council of Moroccan-Tunisian businessmen is to hold a meeting on the fringes of the joint high commission 7th session.

Moroccan-Tunisian trade is in favor of Morocco with a total amount of $ 103 million in 1998 against 90 million in 1997.

Karoui, who arrived in Morocco earlier Sunday, will convey to King Mohammed VI a message of friendship and consideration from President Ben Ali.

The joint commission works will be crowned by the signing of several accords.

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan - Tunisian high joint commission convenes in Rabat next Sunday   (9/14/1999)
  King Mohammed sends written message to Tunisian president   (9/14/1999)
  King Mohammed VI Sends Message to Tunisian President   (9/13/1999)

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