Portuguese foreign minister's talks in Rabat

Portuguese foreign minister, Jaime Gama, who started on Monday a two-day official visit to Morocco held a series of talks with Moroccan officials over bilateral cooperation and preparations for the 5"5 ministerial meeting, in Lisbon this month.

The 5"5 group comprises five north Mediterranean countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Malta) and five Maghreban countries (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia).

Gama agreed with minister of finance, economy, tourism and privatization, Fathallah Oualalou, to set up a working group prior to the high joint commission to assess progress in bilateral cooperation, mainly in finance and tourism.

The two officials also surveyed existing potentials for better relations, stressing the two countries geographic proximity, and Morocco's political stability and economic development.

The Portuguese official said his country is ready to undertake archeological monuments rehabilitation operations and sponsor an economic promotion campaign for Morocco in Brazil and Cuba.

Gama also met fishery minister, Said Chbaatou, and minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa.

Morocco and Portugal are bound by a 1994 friendship and neighborliness treaty, making of Portugal one of Morocco's privileged partners in the European Union.

The two Mediterranean countries hold annual high-level meetings, chaired by the Prime Ministers.