Rabat , November 02, 2011 –
Morocco wants ‘advanced institutional partnership’ with Gulf countries: says FM with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), based on “mutual interests and preserving the gains of our projects and development programmes,” said Wednesday Moroccan Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi Fihri.
The partnership “will contribute to achieving the expected complementarity between the eastern and western wings of the Arab world and the establishment of a real Arab integration,” said Fassi Fihri at the House of Representatives during the weekly session of oral questions.
In this regard, Fassi Fihri recalled the meeting of experts from both sides, held on October 19 at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat in Riyadh, to work out a methodology of negotiations and identify priority areas of the partnership, notably at the strategic, political, security, economic, commercial and technical levels, in addition to the social, legal and cultural dimensions.
These recommendations should be submitted to both parties’ competent authorities, knowing that the delegation of the Gulf countries will submit this issue to the GCC Superior Council by the end of this year, he added.
Morocco welcomed the invitation to join the GCC group as it reflects strategic significance of the special relationship between Morocco and Gulf countries, based on effective solidarity, the ongoing dialogue and fruitful cooperation, the minister said.
He also stressed that Morocco welcomed this initiative in view of the promising common possibilities and opportunities that this partnership provides, in total harmony with the Kingdom’s constitutional choices, including its geopolitical, civilizational and cultural belonging to the Maghreb region and with its commitments within the League of Arab States.
The minister said that Morocco had voiced willingness to enter into negotiations with this important group, while aspiring, with a realistic and positive mind according to a gradual, rational approach, to work out an ideal cooperation framework, taking advantage of all development opportunities and possible partnerships.
Fassi Fihir assured that Morocco had at the same time recalled that its natural area for integration is the Maghreb, particularly in light of events in the region.
