Moroccan-Pakistani relations shall progress, prime minister

Moroccan Prime Minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, asserted that relations between Morocco and Pakistan shall progress, mainly through the just set-up joint commission, the exchange of visits and the enforcement of cooperation accords.

Youssoufi, who is currently on an official visit to Pakistan, told reporters in Islamabad Tuesday that both sides are resolved to enhance "the existing relations of deep friendship and cooperation."

He voiced appreciation for the "supportive role" Pakistan played at the time of Moroccan independence and for its unfailing and unconditional backing to Morocco in the defense of its territorial integrity. He recalled that he had briefed Pakistani officials on the latest developments of the Sahara issue and mainly on Morocco's readiness to examine, at the UN call, the third-path solution.

Youssoufi expressed satisfaction at Pakistan's stand which "backs any option meant to settle this issue."

The Prime minister, who hailed Pakistan's backing to Islamic causes and in the first instance to the Palestinian issue, said Morocco "supports any dialogue meant to settle the issue of Kashmir."

President Muhammad Rafiq Tarar had said when he met Youssoufi on Monday that establishment of deep friendly relations with Islamic countries is the central pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy.

President Tarar said, Pakistan and Morocco enjoy friendly and brotherly relations, which will be strengthened further with the bilateral exchange of high level delegations.

He said Pakistan will continue its full cooperation with Morocco in all fields of social and economic activity including information technology.

The President voiced great concern over "the cruel actions of Israel against the Palestinians" and strongly condemned them. Pakistan fully supports an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital, he said, vowing to continue supporting the view point of the Palestinians.