Madrid, 20 January 2012 (MAP)
Madrid, 20 January 2012 (MAP)
Moroccan Minister Delegate to Foreign Minister Youssef Amrani described on Thursday as “positive” the official visit that Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy paid to Morocco on Wednesday, as it allows a political dialogue between the two countries.
Through this visit, Rajoy keeps a tradition followed by his predecessors who chose Morocco as their first trip abroad, Amrani said in statements to the Spanish radio station “Onda Cero,” stressing “the importance of this visit that allows a political dialogue between Spain and an important partner which is Morocco. It has also enabled to discuss means to give new impetus to bilateral relations,” said the Moroccan minister.
This visit is important both for Spain and for the rest of the European Union “especially in the new environment in the Mediterranean, and in the context of economic and financial crisis in Europe where the EU is reviewing its neighbourhood policy,” he noted.
The relationship between the two countries should not be limited to issues such as fisheries agreement, agriculture, or immigration, he suggested, saying that Morocco is “the only Mediterranean countries who not only knows the reality of Europe but which enjoys an advanced status (in its relations with the EU).”
“Today, Spain and Morocco must conduct a new policy of cooperation in the Mediterranean,” said Amrani, urging Spain to give priority to this region.
