Speaker of indian parliament holds talks with Moroccan officials

Speaker of the Indian house of representatives, M.G.M.C. Balayogi who started Wednesday a work visit in Morocco, held talks with Moroccan officials on means to develop cooperation between the two countries.

During a meeting on Thursday with Moroccan prime minister, Abderrahman Youssoufi, the Indian official noted that political factions in India are presently re-considering their position regarding the Moroccan southern provinces.

Youssoufi said the upcoming visit of crown prince Sidi Mohammed to India will contribute to upgrading bilateral cooperation in economic, trade and political fields.

In another meeting, speaker of the Moroccan house of representatives, Abdelouahed Radi, reassured his Indian peer who is heading a delegation of legislators, of Morocco's support to granting India a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

The two speaker reviewed the importance of regular contacts between the two countries, in view of the diversified cooperation fields and historic links linking Morocco and India.

The Indian legislators also reviewed with Moroccan minister of industry, trade and handicraft, Alami Tazi bilateral trade exchanges which are worth $ 400 million, dominated by Indian imports of Moroccan phosphates and phosphoric acid.

The Moroccan minister stressed that despite the fact that India is Morocco's fifth ranking trade partner, there are large potentials that need to be explored from more trade, mainly Indian cotton, sugar, tobacco and tea.

The two officials also agreed to hold at the soonest possible time the meeting of the joint commission, speed up the conclusion of the accord preventing double taxation, encourage relations between the two countries' employers associations and professional chambers and promote the exchanges of visits by businessmen.

The Indian legislators also met with minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Abdellatif Filali.