Moroccan - US talks in Rabat

Ways to consolidate ties between Morocco and the United States topped talks held in Rabat Monday between Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation minister, Mohammed Benaissa, and visiting US deputy assistant secretary for Near East affairs, Allen Lee Keisswetter.

The two parties lauded the success of the recent state visit King Mohammed VI paid to the USA at the invitation of President Bill Clinton.

Benaissa and Keisswetter underlined that in view of the longstanding Moroccan-US relationships need more efforts are needed to consolidate them, especially in economic and social realms.

The two officials also surveyed international and regional issues of common concern, especially the latest developments in the Middle-East peace process.

Benaissa underlined, in this connection, Morocco's attachment to a real and comprehensive peace, guaranteeing the rights of all parties.

The foreign affairs and cooperation minister also voiced Morocco's concern that the delay in the peace process would jeopardize the gains already achieved.

Keisswetter already conferred with speaker of the Moroccan house of representatives (lower house), Abdelouahed Radi.