President of Catalunia autonomous government pleads for strategic vision in Moroccan-Spanish relations

President of the autonomous government of Catalunia, Jordi Pujol, who is currently on an official visit to Morocco, pleaded in Rabat Monday for the adoption of a strategic vision and for overcoming the short-term mercantile vision in Spanish-Moroccan relations.

Pujol-- who was delivering a lecture on "north-south relations in the 21st century Mediterranean, a vision from Catalunia" -- said Spain has the duty and the strategic interest to cooperate with Morocco and to back its development.

After he underlined the exceptional political and institutional stability that distinguishes Morocco from other south Mediterranean countries, Pujol said the European Union should grant special interest to relations with Morocco and the EU Mediterranean members (France, Spain and Italy) should adopt clear-cut stands in their Mediterranean policy.

Touching on some problems between Morocco and Spain such as immigration and fisheries, Pujol said the two sides should thoroughly ponder on these issues and the Spanish public opinion should be sensitized to the positive impact of immigration

Pujol, who is accompanied by a large delegation of politicians and businessmen, conferred with several Moroccan officials on issues of mutual concern and on means to enhance bilateral cooperation.