Visit to Thailand, India was successful, Youssoufi

Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi said Friday that his visit to Thailand and India was a success.

Youssoufi attended in Thailand the 10th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD X) and paid a three-day official visit to India afterwards.

The UNCTAD session "was of paramount importance," especially after the failure of the Seattle (USA) conference of the World Trade Organization, Youssoufi told the press upon return from New Delhi.

He noted that the Group of 77 plus China, chaired by Morocco, was called to play a vanguard role in the defense of developing nations' interests.

The session was also an opportunity to expound Morocco's conception of globalization, which he termed "inevitable."

Regarding his visit to India, Youssoufi said it was "very fruitful." The talks with the Indian officials took place in an atmosphere of earnestness and frankness, he said, recalling that several cooperation accords were concluded during the visit.

Youssoufi's visit to India was crowned with the conclusion of cooperation accords in energy and mines, communications and transport.

An important agreement for the creation of a business council was also concluded between Moroccan and Indian businessmen.

India is Morocco's third client and 30th supplier. Morocco recorded in 1997 its best external trade surplus with India ($332 million).

Phosphates and by-products dominate Morocco's exports to India.