Morocco, Libya boost co-operation

Magharebia

[AFP/ Fadel Senna] The Moroccan and Libyan prime ministers attend a meeting in Rabat on October 7th to improve collaboration efforts.

By Siham Ali in Rabat for Magharebia – 08/10/2013

Libya and Morocco discussed strengthening ties to better address shared security challenges.

A three-day visit to Morocco by Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zidan wrapped up on Tuesday (October 8th) with plans for new partnerships in health, education, training, security and other sectors.

Officials attending the bilateral talks hailed the “high level” of collaboration in efforts to prevent illegal immigration and all forms of trafficking.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Saadeddine El Othmani underlined the importance of co-ordination in tackling security challenges across the region.

Morocco is championing the idea of improving co-operation and technical support for the Maghreb and the Sahel in order to build their capacities in the global struggle against terrorism.

“Libya, which experienced the Arab Spring, faces more security issues than ever before,” said political analyst Ahmed Chentoufi. In his view, it is vital to join forces to build the region’s future together.

He added that Libya has many challenges to overcome in order to achieve its goals. In this regard, the Libyan prime minister spoke reassuringly and stressed that the situation in his country was improving.

On the economic front, much remains to be done. The two countries want to boost their economic co-operation. On Tuesday, the Libyan delegation headed to Casablanca for meetings with the General Confederation of Moroccan Businesses (CGEM).

The Libyan officials presented Moroccan businesses with investment opportunities offered by a Libya that is developing at full speed, underlined Moroccan Industry and Trade Minister Abdelkader Amara.

He said Libya wanted to draw on Moroccan expertise and experience in various sectors and forge a win-win relationship based on co-operation and partnership.

The two parties examined collaboration and partnership mechanisms that can boost exchange between the two countries and help them explore new investment horizons, especially in the fields of tourism, industry and property.

The Libyan industry minister, Suleiman Ali Al-Taif Al-Fituri, said that among other things, the talks focused on the implementation of the trade agreement signed by Morocco and Libya in July in order to promote economic and commercial exchange.

The two parties discussed the principle of the free movement of goods through “mutual recognition”, which would facilitate the bilateral exchange of products and services. A shipping line connecting Libya and Morocco recently went into operation.

Ahmed Chtiri, a teacher, said the increased economic co-operation between Morocco and Libya augurs well. He said both countries could profit from this bilateral partnership.

“Libya is developing and needs Morocco’s expertise, and amid the current crisis, Morocco is seeking to develop its investment. This could boost employment for both parties,” he said.

Salima Ndiri, an economics student, agreed. In her view, economic partnership could bring great benefits for Morocco.

“Investment is promising in Libya, just as the Libyans might be interested in investing in Morocco. This could be a step towards the Maghreb-wide collaboration that people are so eager to see,” she said.