Rabat – The democratic reform process in Morocco is a significant step in the Arab world, The UK Foreign Office minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Alistair Bur, said on Wednesday in Rabat.
I would like to praise the reform process in Morocco, initiated by HM King Mohammed VI, which has been adhered to by all the Moroccan people, and which constitutes a significant step in the Arab world, Mr. Burt told the press after a meeting with Moroccan minister delegate for foreign affairs, Youssef Amrani.
The UK official commended the wide-ranging cooperation between the two countries, covering political dialogue and economic and security cooperation, which makes bilateral relations “extremely solid”.
On regional issues, the UK minister hailed Morocco’s commitment to building a Maghreb union, which is “very important”, given its implications on economic and political stability in the region.
As regards Morocco’s territorial integrity, Mr. Burt commended the “relevance of the Moroccan position” and reiterated his country’s support for the UN-sponsored negotiation process and the efforts made by UN Secretary General towards achieving a just, lasting solution to the conflict.
The UK Minister highlighted Morocco’s “important” role within the UN Security Council of the UN, pointing out that the Kingdom stands as a “worthy representative of the Arab League” and provides an “important contribution to international conflict management.
Mr. Amrani, for his part, welcomed the high-level political dialogue between the two countries and which led to the adoption of the UK-Moroccan partnership agenda, which constitutes an “operational roadmap defining axes of strengthening bilateral cooperation, based on our respective aspirations and shared interests.”
He also welcomed the convergence of the two kingdoms’ views, which follow clear principles, namely respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, mutual respect, dialogue and consultation and peaceful resolution of disputes.
On the issue of territorial integrity of the Kingdom, Amrani said he told the British minister of “the importance Morocco attaches to finding a political solution, taking into account the serious and credible efforts made by the Kingdom, and in accordance with the parameters set by the Security Council, namely the spirit of compromise and realism.”
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