Morocco, Spain probe project of permanent link in Gibraltar strait

Morocco and Spain held in Madrid Tuesday the 35th meeting of the joint commission in charge of feasibility studies of the project of a permanent link between the two countries through the Gibraltar strait.

The meeting, co-chaired by Moroccan equipment and transport minister, Karim Ghellab, and Spanish secretary of state in charge of infrastructures, Benino Blanco Rodriguez, outlined the project's action plan for 2004-2006.

The two countries approved an action plan concerning a geo-technical research program and an engineering study that will cost 27 million Euro, to be equally financed by the two parties.

"The approval of the action plan will boost the studies conducted for the implementation of the project and will give the green light for the start of drilling in the autumn of 2004," Ghellab told MAP.

Drilling is the first phase that will enable to gather the required information to start practical steps.

Morocco and Spain will seek the financial assistance of the European Union for research and infrastructure.

The two sides agreed to hold the committee's coming meeting next June.