FAO, Morocco conclude cooperation accord on water supply

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) agreed to assist the Moroccan state-owned water company (ONEP) in implementing a program to supply rural regions with drinking water.

Under a five-year accord, FAO pledges to extend ONEP technical assistance for the implementation of sanitation and water supply program in the rural world.

The accord was initialed by ONEP director-general, Lahoucine Tijani, and FAO representative to Morocco, Mohamed Rouighi.

During the signing ceremony, Jacques Diouf, FAO director-general, said relations between the Rome-based organization and Morocco developed thanks to the trust of King Hassan II in the U.N. specialized agency and the long term vision of the king, who is "one of the greatest sovereigns of this century."

The FAO awarded its prestigious "Agricola" medal to King Hassan II in recognition for the sovereign's ceaseless efforts for agriculture development.