Havier Solana arrives in Morocco

European Union (EU) high representative for foreign and security policy, Javier Solana, arrived here Tuesday for a two-day official visit.

The EU official's visit to Morocco comes at the invitation of Morocco's foreign affairs and cooperation minister, Mohamed Benaissa.

Solana had told MAP news agency that Morocco is "an extremely important partner in the Mediterranean." All the EU institutions wish to establish with Morocco the most regular and intensive dialogue, he said.

The official will review with Moroccan officials Morocco's views on bilateral relations, Euro-Mediterranean ties and the strategic stake of the EU's extension to east European countries.

Morocco is bound to the EU with an association accord, that entered into force in March 2000. The accord provides, inter alias, for the establishment of a Moroccan-European free trade area.

Solana's visit to Morocco comes shortly after the one paid by the EU trade commissioner, Pascal Lamy, and another by Foreign relations commissioner, Chris Patten.