Rabat, April 10, 2012 (MAP)
Rabat, April 10, 2012 (MAP)
The closure of land borders between Morocco and Algeria is an “abnormal situation which does not mirror the legitimate expectations of the two brotherly peoples,” Foreign Minister Saad Dine El Otmani said on Monday in Rabat.
“The settlement of the issue of frontiers, closed for nearly twenty year (..), should be gradual and accompanied by initiatives aimed at establishing a climate of trust and understanding between the two parties according to an indispensable comprehensive approach,” said the minister who was giving a presentation before the foreign affairs committee at the house of advisers on the re-opening of Moroccan-Algerian borders, and the report on the last set of talks in Manhasset.
Referring to his last visit to Algeria, the official said that Morocco is continuing its development projects without subjecting them to the prospects of re-opening frontiers with this neighboring country.
This issue suspended since 1994 was not on the agenda, however, the problem was discussed according to a new vision agreed with Algeria and based on preserving the aspects of agreement and starting a dialogue on matters of difference, he insisted.
During this visit late January, the two parties committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation and broadening its scope to include the media sector, and agreed to play a positive role to dispel misunderstandings, bring viewpoints closer and foster mutual trust, he added.
El Otmani underlined that the recent visit by the communication minister, government spokesperson is part of this perspective, adding that similar visits by members of the government will take place.
According to El Otmani, the two parties agreed to hold this year a meeting by the high joint committee to elaborate common projects.
