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Join on Telegram Rabat – The European Union is full of praise regarding cooperation agreements with Morocco furthering economic and social growth
In response to claims from Polisario and its supporters, the just published EU annual report has emphasized that locals in the southern provinces of Morocco benefit fully from the agreements between Rabat and Brussels.
Setting out to uphold the Association Agreement between Morocco and the European Union, the report details the benefits for the inhabitants of the southern provinces of Morocco based on the agreement.
MAP, Morocco’s news agency said the report adopts a positive tone, mirroring “the quality and strength of the partnership between Morocco and the European Union, which is characterized by a spirit of trust and openness.”
The report expresses satisfaction with Morocco’s approach to promoting economic openness in the southern provinces making them an economic magnet in the win-win partnership between the European Union, Morocco and the African continent.
The report stressed the rapid growth witnessed by these regions and the work undertaken by Morocco for the development of its southern provinces as part of the “Development Program 2016-2021.”
This is not the only record emphasizing the importance of reforms and development programs in the region. Similar reports and delegation attest tangible reforms in the region, lauding infrastructure development and projects helping with job creation, among other advancements.
The European Commission and the European External Action Service also addressed the importance of public policies implemented in these regions. Noting recent investments in the region, the report emphatically spoke of Morocco’s efforts in the generalization of social protection, the improvement of working conditions, women empowerment, as well as the strong support for youth and infrastructure development.
Representatives of the European Commission and the European External Action Service witnessed first-hand the development of the southern provinces during a field visit to the region in September 2021.
The visit enabled European officials to inspect the tangible socio-economic development that these regions have been experiencing. The visit also served as a testimony against claims the Polisario Front and its supporters promoted accusing Morocco of “plundering” resources in the region.
The report also emphasized that meetings with various economic players, local authorities, and representatives of civil society, including human rights activists, made it possible to record their full support for development efforts in these areas, and support the agreements between the two parties.
With regard to the Western Sahara conflict, the report mentioned the European Union’s consistent support for the ongoing UN-political process to find a lasting solution to the regional conflict.
Recalling the EU’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and its willingness to contribute to it, the report also stresses the need for the international community to facilitate the confidence- and peace-building task of Staffan de Mistura, the new Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Western Sahara.
The EU bodies concluded its report by emphasizing its determination to continue EU-Morocco trade and political relations.
