Partnership agreement, a new era in euro-moroccan relations, says youssoufi

The new partnership agreement to be in force shortly "opens, at the eve of the third millennium, a new era in relations between Morocco and the European Union", Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi was quoted as saying.

In a message to the colloquy "Morocco-Europe : A shared fate" which opens today in Brussles, circulated by the latest release of the UE Delegation Newsletter, Youssoufi said the agreement shows the "high degree of maturity reached by our relations now based on dialogue, reciprocation and partnership".

It opens new perspectives in those ties and beyond its economic and financial dimension, which is fundamental, the agreement sets up foundations for global relations encompassing closer and more fecund political, social and cultural ties. Yet, he said, this paramount "third generation" accord, is not an end in itself but rather " a further stage in the long history of relations between the UE and the Kingdom which will be witness future changes on the path of common destiny.

The time is ripe for for a major step onwards in our relations within the framework of an euro-mediterranean space built on peace, tolerance and shared prosperity, he said.

The colloquy co-chaired by Youssoufi and European Commission President Romano Prodi tackles two major topics : "Morocco, a key factor for euro-mediterranean cooperation" and "Euro-moroccan economic partnership".

Of the colloquy, he said it is timely coming when at a time when King Mohammed VI, keen on the quality and strengthening of euro- Moroccan relations, is steering his reign towards the consolidation of the "Rule Of Law" and democratic institutions, the promotion of human freedom and rights, of justice and equity, and modernizing of both, economy and society.

In its issue, the Rabat UE delegation also dwells on three years of "fruitful" cooperation and provisions of the new partnership agreement to be in force early newt year.