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European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica said on Thursday in Rabat that Morocco is a “privileged partner” of the European Union.
Speaking after talks with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, ahead of the High-Level Retreat on the Future of Euro-Mediterranean Relations, Šuica described Morocco as a “model” for the region.
The meeting highlighted Morocco’s historic and structural role as a key player in the Mediterranean region.
At a joint press conference with Bourita, the European Commissioner said the relationship between Morocco and the EU is “special” and should be further deepened across various sectors. She welcomed what she described as Morocco’s “advanced partnership” with the EU, particularly in managing migration and in efforts against terrorism and organized crime.
Šuica also commended Morocco’s “remarkable” progress in decarbonization and the green transition. “We welcome Morocco’s leading role in strengthening Euro-Mediterranean cooperation,” she said, calling the country a “strategic partner” for the EU.
“Our partnership with Morocco, a vital bridge to Africa, is unique and highly multidimensional,” she continued. She added that this ambitious bilateral cooperation paves the way for a deeper Euro-Mediterranean partnership to meet the shared needs of Europe and the MENA region.
The Commissioner noted that since the start of her mandate, the EU has been working on a “new pact for the Mediterranean,” developed through a participatory approach with all 27 EU members and partner countries from the southern shore.
The framework is set to be formally adopted in November to mark the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration and the launch of the Barcelona Process.
“Our ambition is very clear. We want to lay the foundations of a common space of prosperity, peace, stability, and security,” Šuica told participants at the retreat on the future of Euro-Mediterranean relations.
She said the pact was preceded by broad consultations with all concerned partners and stressed that Morocco’s hosting of the retreat contributes substantially to shaping this new framework.
Based on an evolving process, the instrument aims to serve as a strong lever for stability and growth, built on three main pillars: placing people at the center of action, unlocking the full potential of regional economies, and strengthening cooperation on security, resilience, and migration.
MWN with MAP
