BRUSSELS, Nov 5 (KUNA) — EU High Representative Catherine Ashton today embarks on a visit to Morocco and Algeria for talks to boost EU’s political and economic ties with the two Arab countries.
“I am very much looking forward to my visit to Morocco and Algeria. We have been very encouraged by recent reforms undertaken in both countries and I will underline the European Union’s strong support to the reform process,” she said in a statement ahead of her departure.
“Both sides have much to gain from close political and economic ties and I hope my visit will reinforce the excellent progress we have made in the recent past,” she noted.
Her visit, Ashton said, It will also be an opportunity to discuss together wider regional issues, such as developments in the Sahel.
Today, Monday, in Rabat, she will meet Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Saad-Eddine El Othmani.
On Tuesday, Ashton will travel to Algeria and meet Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mourad Medelci, and other Algerian leaders, and sign three EU-Algeria financing agreements, on the protection of cultural heritage, support for reforms in the transport sector and support to youth employment.
(end) nk.asa KUNA 051231 Nov 12NNNN
.
