Morocco's upper chamber delegation visits Washington
A delegation from Morocco's upper house, the Chamber of Advisors, started on Tuesday a visit to Washington D.C. for meetings at the US Congress and the state department.
Head of the delegation, 3rd deputy-speaker Ahmed Kadiri, said the trip is "a new step in consolidating the already longstanding Morocco-US relationships based on mutual respect" and reflects the two countries' will to promote exchanges in economic and trade realms as well as in the cultural sector through the exchange of visits by students and university teachers.
Kadiri went on that during their talks with US officials and representatives, the advisors (senators) will focus on deep changes going on in Morocco and actions led by King Mohammed VI to deepen democratic principle and consolidate the rule of law, by fighting corruption and encouraging solidarity to reduce gaps between social layers and regions.
The delegation members will also speak about several priority issues for Morocco, mainly the Sahara issue which is an artificial problem dating back to the cold war. He added that in the modern world, such a problem should no longer exist and should be settled so that resources can be used to human promotion.
Arab issues are also included in the Moroccan delegation talks in Washington, he said stressing the role of the USA in the quest of peace in the Middle East and the interest that the kingdom and King Mohammed VI, who chairs Al-Quds committee, grant to the need to reach a fair and lasting solution through the liberation of all occupied Arab territories and restoring to the Palestinians all their rights, including the right to establish an independent state, with Al-Quds as a capital.
Other subjects to be brought by the Moroccan delegation include developing countries' concerns such as indebtedness, illiteracy, health and food security.
Since the start of the year, two groups from the US congress have visited Morocco in January and February.
Another delegation, led by republican representative, J.C. Watts, is expected in Morocco next April, part of an African tour to Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana.
