European free-trade association delegation in parliament

The visiting delegation of the European Free-trade association held in Rabat Monday a work session with Moroccan MPS on means to consolidate cooperation between the kingdom and member countries.

MPS highlighted the functioning and role of Parliament and problems facing Moroccan economy such as the debt-burden, the need for advanced technologies and low public resources.

They also covered latest developments in the Sahara issue and the constructive attitude of Morocco in trying to settle the artificial dispute, the new partnership with Europe sought in fisheries, the importance granted to Moroccan nationals living in Europe and called for more sector-agreements to strengthen the accord signed in 1997 by the kingdom and the association to see to balanced economic relations.

The delegation led by Marcel Sandoz (Switzerland) underscored the importance their countries grant cooperation with Morocco and said they were interested in new sectors such as sea-fisheries, telecommunications, and oil and gas where the association countries have proven expertise.

The European regional association was set up in 1960 and gathers Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.