Moroccan-European cooperation probed in Strasbourg

Cooperation between Morocco and the European Union was probed last week in Strasbourg at talks between a visiting delegation of Moroccan parliamentarians and European MPs from various groups.

The two sides agreed that a new framework of cooperation and partnership should be explored to promote genuine co-development and co-prosperity in all sectors, including agriculture, fishery and industry.

Prospects of Euro-Mediterranean partnership, means to bridge the development gaps between the northern and southern banks of the Mediterranean and Morocco's strategic position in the area were also discussed.

The role played by Morocco-- which was described by several European MPs, including the chairman of the socialist group, Enrique Baron Crespo, as a pole of stability in the region-- in seeking a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict was equally highlighted.

The two sides stressed the need to give momentum to the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary forum, co-chaired by Speaker of the European Parliament, Nicole Fontaine, and Speaker of the Moroccan house of representative, Abdelouahed Radi. The forum is to convene in Lisbon next May.

The Morocco-EU partnership accord which is to come into force on March 1, the deficit of Morocco's trade balance with the EU, the integration of women in the development process and the political situation in Morocco were among the other issues raised at the Moroccan-European parliamentary talks.