Morocco, a model for countries in the region, US official
Morocco is realizing interesting projects that bring high hopes to Moroccans and that make the country a model to follow for countries in the region, each according to its traditions and priorities, said on Monday American under secretary for the Middle East, David Welch.
The US official made this statement at the end of a meeting with Moroccan Prime Minister, Driss Jettou, with whom he discussed the two countries' foreign policies and issues of common interest.
Morocco and the United States share several interests and goals, said the US official who is paying his first official visit abroad since his appointment on March 18.
Talks between Jettou and Welsh also touched on the Free Trade Agreement which Rabat and Washington signed on June 15.
The two officials highlighted the need to materialize the provisions of the accord that eliminates tariffs on 95 percent of all bilateral trade between the United States and Morocco, and includes stringent protections for intellectual property and the environment.
They said it was important to set up accompanying measures for sectors that could encounter difficulties in relation with the accord, as well as for economic operators of the two countries.
The two officials also discussed social and economic projects that benefit of funding granted part of the Millennium Challenge Account development program.
The North African country qualified in 2004 for the U.S. Millennium Challenge Account based on its progress in governing justly, investing in its citizens and ensuring economic freedom, as measured against criteria established and monitored by independent organizations. It was the only country in the Broader Middle East and North Africa to become eligible.
Jettou underscored at the meeting the reforms ushered by Morocco, underlining that his country clings to stability in the Maghreb and to the erection of a strong and united regional grouping. He was referring to the Maghreb Arab Union (known by its French acronym UMA) which, since its establishment in 1989, encountered several difficulties because of political differences between member states. UMA countries are: Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.
