Moroccan FM holds talks with Italian peer

Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, held talks on Wednesday with visiting Italian peer, Franco Frattini.

The two officials discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments on the international scene, particularly the Palestinian issue.

The head of the Italian diplomacy told the press at the end of the meeting his country "greatly appreciates" Morocco's choice to establish democracy and fight terrorism by the side of Europe, stressing that "European countries back Morocco's development policy."

"Europe should increase its help to Morocco particularly in fighting terrorism and guaranteeing security at its borders," he went on.

The Italian foreign minister arrived in Rabat on Wednesday part of a tour in Maghreban countries and the Middle East.

Italy will take over the rotating chairmanship of the European Union, starting on July 1st.