Morocco, Spain determined to overcome outstanding problems, foreign ministers
Morocco and Spain are determined to intensify dialog to overcome the outstanding problems and consolidate understanding between their civil societies.
The determination was voiced by Moroccan and Spanish foreign ministers, Mohamed Benaissa and Josep Pique, at a news conference they held Thursday in Madrid where Benaissa was on a short trip to prepare the first state visit King Mohammed VI will pay to Spain in the second half of September.
The two foreign ministers actually underlined the paramount importance of the Moroccan king's visit to Madrid as this visit, they said, will mark a new phase in bilateral relations.
Describing bilateral relations as "excellent," they insisted that the royal visit to Spain will give a new momentum to these relations at a time the two countries are going through the materialization phase of the agreements concluded during the high level meeting held in April 1999 in Madrid.
The royal visit to Madrid will be a landmark in fostering mutual understanding between the two peoples and will highlight by the signing of several cooperation accords, said Pique.
Both ministers stressed the need to promote mutual understanding and asserted that all problems can be settled thanks to good will.
During the news conference it has been announced that moves are being made to organize a Morocco's year in Spain and a Spain's year in Morocco. The events will feature an ambitious cultural program.
Touching on the issue of immigration, Benaissa described the problem as "complex" for both Morocco and Spain as the two countries are faced with a delicate situation in view of the transit of citizens from sub-saharan countries. Efforts are being made to put an end to this phenomenon the soonest possible, he said.
Benaissa also conferred with Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar on major issue of mutual concern and on the promotion of relations between the two countries.
Benaissa, who arrived in Madrid Thursday, is to wind up his visit this Friday.
