Rabat – The new agricultural agreement between Morocco and the EU that the European Parliament will consider on January 25 represents “a legitimate ambition of the Kingdom,” as it will lead “to get access to the European market for a very important sector for our country,” said the Minister delegate to Foreign Minister Youssef Amrani
In an interview published Thursday by the French-speaking daily Le Soir Echos, Amrani expressed confidence in the chances of adoption of the agreement (signed in 2009 but not yet ratified), noting that the Moroccan diplomacy has always been mobilized “to defend this ambition” by involving all stakeholders, such as concerned departments, Parliament and professional associations.
He said it is time to revitalize the Morocco-EU parliamentary commission, following the new configuration of the Moroccan Parliament.
The European Parliament should, “without sterile political manipulation, accompany and support Morocco who made the strategic choice and political commitment towards the EU,” he argued.
He added that the context lends itself well as Europe is currently reviewing its neighborhood policy.
“We want more solidarity,” he added.
Regarding the accession of a conservative party to power in Spain and its impact on the future of bilateral relations, Amrani said that “the relationship between the two countries is so broad that it includes, in addition to governments, a range of actors like civil society, businesses, political parties and autonomous regions.”
The Minister also noted that Morocco “has always been an important election issue in Spain.”
Amrani also called for strengthening these relationships in order to “build a renewed partnership” and to “enable our two countries to play a role of catalyst in a region that sees major changes”.
13113
