Ciampi hails Morocco as a factor of security in the Mediterranean

Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi hailed Morocco's domestic stability and ponderation at the international level, saying it is a factor of security in the Mediterranean region.

In a dinner-banquet he hosted in the honor of visiting King Mohammed VI Tuesday night, Ciampi underscored identity of views on how the Mediterranean is the cradle of common heritage binding Europe, Africa and Asia, not separating them.

He called for a stronger Arab Maghreb Union as an interlocutor for the European Union and deplored non-implementation of the Barcelona Conference recommendations which paved the way for the so-much awaited partnership between Mediterranean countries. Morocco, he said, has to play a leading role in blowing life again into the political side of the Euro-Med partnership alongside Italy and other countries.

The Italian president assured the kingdom of his country's support in development undertakings, saying Rabat could rely on Italian investment, technology transfer, industrial cooperation, SME back-up, agriculture updating and cultural cooperation.

Ciampi also voiced admiration for the sovereign's resolve to go ahead with political and economic liberalization, democracy, social reforms and the protection of human rights and said both sides were determined to go beyond affective ties and work together for balanced and profitable relations for both countries.