Belgium closely follows democratic evolution in Morocco

Belgian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Louis Michel, who arrived in Casablanca on Thursday for a four-day visit, said his country is closely following democratic evolution in Morocco.

He said his visit is meant to consolidate the "excellent" bonds existing between Morocco and Belgium and is a token of his country's "strong" support to deeper relations between Morocco and the European Union.

For the Belgian official, Morocco is an important Maghreban country and a traditional partner of the European Union. He also argued that Europe should open to its south Mediterranean neighbors as the future of the two regions is intrinsically linked economically, socially and culturally.

He also said a large part of the Moroccan community living in Belgium, about 200,000 persons, will benefit from the new citizenship law.

The visit will be marked by the signing of an agreement under which Belgium will contribute to drinking water supply projects in the southwestern region of Agadir.