The interior ministers of Morocco and Spain discussed here on Tuesday ways of promoting and reinforcing security cooperation against terrorism, drugs and illegal immigration.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Moroccan Interior Minister Mohand Laenser said he had discussed with his visiting Spanish counterpart Jorge Fernandez Diaz a set of security issues that concern both sides and even the European Union (EU).
He stressed the significance of further bolstering bilateral security cooperation within the framework of the four-party group which composes of Morocco, Spain, France and Portugal.
The group is set to convene in Madrid in October to assess activities carried out since January when its first meeting was held, he added.
The Spanish interior minister is part of the delegation accompanying visiting Moroccan King Juan Carlos I.
The Moroccan interior minister said the Spanish king’s visit would give a strong push to bilateral relations.
For his part, Spanish Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz said his meeting with the Moroccan minister had focused on several joint security issues, primarily organized crime, human trafficking, illegal immigration and drug-running.
He hailed Morocco as a partner, ally and friend in the fight against organized crime, illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
He said the EU cannot do without Morocco in the fight against such security problems.
Diaz regarded the Spanish king’s visit to Morocco as reflecting the European country’s will to develop its relations with Morocco.
Spanish King Juan Carlos I arrived here on Monday for a three-day official visit to Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammad VI.
The king’s accompanying delegation includes Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz, Justice Minister Alberto Ruiz Gallardon, Industry Energy and Tourism Minister Jose Manuel Soria, and Equipment Minister Ana Pastor, and several other officials The Spanish king last visited Morocco in 2005. (end) adt.mt KUNA 162316 Jul 13NNNN
RABAT, July 16 (KUNA)
