Morocco, Italy Eager To Foster Bilateral Ties
Rome – Morocco is a crucial partner for Italy, not only at the level of bilateral relations, but also as a factor of stability in the North-African region, said Italian Foreign Minister’s Special envoy for the Mediterranean and the Middle-East Maurizio Massari who is on a visit to the Kingdom.
In a statement quoted by Italian agency “Ansamed”, Massari affirmed that he told his Moroccan interlocutors about his country’s support for the process of democratization and openness launched by HM King Mohammed VI.
He voiced satisfaction with the especial interest Morocco takes in fostering political and economic cooperation with Italy, as well as encouraging Italian businessmen to invest in the different sectors mainly in relation with infrastructure, renewable energy and food-processing industry.
Italy strives to strengthen ties between the European Union and the Maghreb and Mediterranean regions in the economic field, he added.
Massari said that this vision will take concrete substance through the vote, mid-February, by the European Parliament to approve the setting up of a free trade zone with Morocco, which is the keystone of the country’s development. Morocco, Italy Eager To Foster Bilateral Ties
Rabat –
Morocco and Italy agreed, on Thursday in Rabat, to boost bilateral ties and contribute to bringing the two shores of the Mediterranean closer. This came in a meeting between Speaker of the House of Representatives and Italian Foreign Minister’s Special envoy for the Mediterranean and the Middle-East Maurizio Massari who is on a visit to the Kingdom, first leg of a tour that will take him to other countries in the region.
“Italy seeks to reinforce bilateral ties with Morocco in all areas, mainly the political, economic and cultural fields,” Massari told Morocco’s news agency MAP.
Through this initiative, Italy aims to play a role in bringing closer the two shores of the Mediterranean, said Massari who was tasked, by the Italian diplomacy, with meeting with North African partners and collecting ideas that would promote regional dialogue.
Ghellab underscored the interest Italy takes in the MENA region and its readiness to contribute to bringing the two shores of the Mediterranean closer; stressing the role Italy intends to play to bolster bilateral bonds in all areas.
Massari is expected to hold talks, in Casablanca and Rabat, with several government officials, MPs, and representatives of the Moroccan employers’ body, the media and civil society, a statement by the Italian Foreign Ministry said.
He will travel next week to Tunisia and Egypt within the framework of strengthening ties with Italy’s partners “that are engaged in the process of openness and democratization.”
