Moroccan employment minister in Brussels

Moroccan minister of employment, vocational training, social development and solidarity, Abbes El Fassi, is visiting Belgium where he will meet Friday with Belgian deputy-premier and minister of employment, Laurette Onckelinx.

The two sides will assess implementation of the Moroccan-Belgian joint statement on employment and labor signed last October in Rabat.

The statement provides for the promotion of cooperation in matters of employment, labor and vocational training through joint projects. The Moroccan-Belgian cooperation program also provides for the consolidation of social dialogue, and the settlement of individual and collective labor-related disputes.

The program equally covers cooperation to improve labor regulations and enhance the efficiency of labor administration and inspection, mainly with regard to labor security and health. Under the program, Belgium co-finances Moroccan projects securing equality of chances between men and women.

The two countries' specialized institutions, the associations of workers and employers, the social dialogue promotion program in French-speaking Africa and the International Labor Organization in Morocco are associated in implementing the program.

Abbes El Fassi is also scheduled to meet the speakers of the Belgian House of Representatives and senate.