“We commend the leading role of HM King Mohammed VI in the implementation of an ambitious national reform program which is fully in line with our economic and investment plan,” he said during a joint press briefing with the Moroccan minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, following bilateral talks.
The European official highlighted the depth of the Morocco-EU partnership which concerns “a range of priorities”, including the development of the African continent, security, the fight against terrorism, but also all the major global issues “which must be faced together”.
Regarding his talks with Mr. Bourita, Mr. Várhelyi noted that the discussions made it possible to reaffirm “the common interest” to “ensure regional prosperity, stability and security”.
The meeting, he pointed out, was an opportunity to discuss the second major aspect of Morocco-EU cooperation, namely irregular migration, saying he was “very grateful” for Morocco’s persistent work in this area.
“We are ready to contribute on our side to facilitate this work of Morocco because we are both convinced that irregular migration is a source of instability and vulnerability for the region”, said the European official.
For his part, Mr. Bourita said that the Kingdom, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, is promoting a new development model, noting a “convergence” between the orientations of this new model and the priorities of the Morocco-EU partnership.
This convergence, he explained, “allows the EU today to support Morocco in a strong and sustained way to achieve the objectives of this new model and to support HM the King’s vision for the development of the Kingdom”.
Mr. Bourita stressed that Morocco seeks a “solid partnership” with the EU, based on “mutual respect, convergence of interests and shared values”, highlighting the need for “reliable partnerships”.
“Morocco sees its relationship with the European Union in this perspective”, said the minister, adding that there are no limits to “our ambition both in terms of existing programs and also innovative programs” to be explored together so that, in all areas, Morocco and the EU can present “a pioneering framework that could inspire the EU’s relationship with other countries in its neighborhood”.
In this regard, Mr. Bourita assured Mr. Várhelyi of the Kingdom’s readiness to work in this direction with clarity, commitment and ambition.
After their talks, Mr. Bourita and Várhelyi signed the document relating to the “LINK UP AFRICA” project, the first of its kind within the framework of the partnership between the Kingdom and the European Union.
This project is based on the priority given by the Kingdom of Morocco and the EU to the development of cooperation with Africa by relying on a triangular Morocco-EU cooperation approach for the benefit of African States.
Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse