Morocco, Portugal determined to step up partnership

The Moroccan-Portuguese high commission ended Tuesday in Tangier (Northern Morocco) its fifth session with the signing of a package of accords destined to enhance Portuguese investments in Morocco and rev up trade exchange between the two countries.

A joint declaration released by the commission announced that Portugal has opened a 10 million euro credit line to boost and support the activities of Moroccan - Portuguese ventures. The two countries have agreed to set up a work group to promote and diversify their economic and financial cooperation, the statement says, voicing satisfaction over the progress made in the fields of forest management, rural development, irrigation and livestock breeding.

Morocco and Portugal have also agreed to enhance the exchange of expertise in housing, fishing, seamen training, fish marketing and struggle against illegal immigration, terrorism and drug trafficking.

In the cultural field, the two countries have drawn up a strategy to protect their shared civilizational legacy and restore several Moroccan historic sites.