Morocco-France partnership is strategic, French former premier

Partnership between Morocco and France is "strategic," said Thursday French former prime minister, Alain Juppe, who is currently in a visit to Morocco, pleading for "a reinforced partnership" between the kingdom and the European Union (EU).

Juppe underlined in a joint press conference with UMP (Union for a Popular Movement) deputy-chairman and mayor of Marseille, Jean Claude Gaudin, that Morocco-France partnership is strategic because of the special relations between the two countries' heads of state, affinities between the two peoples, common values of tolerance, moderation and respect of the other.

Juppe, UMP chairman and mayor of Bordeaux, evoked different types of cooperation between Morocco and France, particularly trade cooperation, direct investments and public assistance.

Juppe and Gaudin underscored that they are reassured about the safety of French nationals living in Morocco, adding that they will continue to encourage French citizens to come to the north African country.

"Our visit to Morocco evidences our complete solidarity with the Moroccan people and authorities following the barbarous attacks perpetrated in Casablanca," stressed Jupp?.

Earlier, Juppe was received by king Mohammed VI. He also met several Moroccan officials, including prime minister, Driss Jettou, and interior minister, Al Mustapha Sahel.

Part of their visit to the kingdom, the two officials visited La Casa de Espana and the Jewish social club, two of the five targets hit by the terrorists.