King Mohammed receives message from US president

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has received a letter from U.S. president, George W. Bush, in connection with the royal message which was sent to the American president through minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa.

In his reply, President Bush said he was pleased that the friendship between the American and Moroccan nations was growing stronger and that the two countries were getting even closer to each other, thanks to their cooperation in the fight against terrorism and to their trade relations. He further pointed out that he shared the King's satisfaction with the progress made in the negotiations between Morocco and the United States for a free-trade agreement.

Concerning the Sahara issue, the American president says he continues to put his trust in (UN secretary general's personal envoy) James Baker's efforts as the best prospect for a peaceful solution to this conflict. Bush went to say that he knows Baker will fully take into account Morocco's important concerns regarding its sovereignty and the possible threats posed to its stability and asked the sovereign to continue to work with Baker to this end.

The US president said he has great regard for the Moroccan king's views and is happy to work with him in pursuit of the common objectives of peace, security and development in the Middle East and North Africa.