Canada's governor general ends visit to Morocco

Canada's Governor General, Romeo Le Blanc, left Rabat on Sunday at the end of a state visit to Morocco, where he met with King Hassan II.

The representative of the British crown in Canada also conferred with several Moroccan officials, including Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi and the speakers of the two chambers of the Moroccan Parliament.

He was accompanied by a large delegation comprising lawmakers, businessmen, representatives of non-governmental organizations, artists and intellectuals in addition to the minister in charge of international cooperation and francophony, Diane Marleau.

In a press conference he gave on Sunday, the Canadian official said he was very honored by the welcome extended to him by King Hassan II during this visit that marks a new dynamic in bilateral relations. He wished that the two countries would develop a new frame of economic cooperation based on partnership.Canada eyes investments in Morocco and is inciting Canadian capital holders to invest in Morocco, mainly in mining, one of the most dynamic sectors in Canada, said the Canadian minister and ambassador in Morocco.

Marleau added that the two countries agreed on Friday to cooperate in a quality management project and in micro-credits to women. Canada has also earmarked $1.5 million to support a project to help the rural populations' involvement in the management and maintenance of drinking water systems.

Canada's governor general touched on the humanitarian values shared by the two countries, which are endeavoring together at the United Nations and other international organizations to promote peace.

Le Blanc's visit to Morocco was part of an African tour that led him to Senegal, Cote D'Ivoire, Tanzania and Mali.

According to the latest available figures released by the Canadian embassy in Rabat, total financial flows including trade and service exchanges between the two countries stood at around C$ 432 million ($286 million) in 1997.