King Mohammed, President Ben Ali determined to consolidate bilateral ties

Morocco's King Mohammed VI and President Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia on Wednesday voiced determination to foster cooperation ties between the two Maghreban states.

"Our brotherly meeting today will give a new impetus to all the institutions endeavoring for cooperation between our two countries with a view to setting in motion new methods and a new dynamic likely to activate a fruitful cooperation," King Mohammed VI said at an exchange of speeches during a dinner banquet hosted in his honor by President Ben Ali.

King Mohammed VI on Wednesday started a three-day state visit to Tunisia, meant to give a new impetus to Moroccan-Tunisian relations.

Bilateral relations witnessed a significant evolution and made large strides, King Mohammed VI said, mentioning as an instance the accord on the free trade area concluded in March 1999, during the Tunisian President's official visit to Morocco.

"This accord, of which we are so proud, is a live example of our new relationship," King Mohammed VI said, underlining that these special relations will help the two countries "keep pace with the developments taking place on the international scene and take up the challenges with confidence and determination."

Echoing the king, the Tunisian President said Morocco and Tunisia have covered major steps "on the path of integration and interdependence of interests."

"The setting up of the free trade area is one of the gains we are proud of," he said, before lauding the action of the bilateral high joint commission and of the various working groups and experts teams.

The Tunisian head of state also stressed the need to assess bilateral projects, ensure their follow-up and lower possible obstacles.