Moroccan ambassador to France hands credentials to President Chirac

Morocco's newly-appointed ambassador to France, Hassan Abouyoub, on Friday handed his credentials to President Jacques Chirac.

President Chirac voiced on the occasion his friendship and admiration for King Mohammed VI and expressed appreciation for the excellent relations existing between France and Morocco.

Abouyoub, who held several ministerial positions (foreign trade, foreign investment, tourism), had been appointed Morocco's ambassador to France last September 16. He had been involved in Morocco's negotiations with the European Union on the fisheries accord and on the partnership accord providing for the setting up by year 2010 of a free trade area between Morocco and Europe. He was also a candidate for the post of director general of the World Trade Organization (WTO).