EU reaffirms commitment to strengthen partnership with Morocco

EU Commissioner for Enlargement & European Neighborhood Policy, Oliver Varhelyi, has reaffirmed the Union’s determination and commitment to strengthen further partnership with Morocco.

During talks he held on Thursday remotely with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, the Commissioner said: “We will use all means to advance our partnership”, and that “the EU will continue to support Morocco in the fight against Covid-19”.

In his tweeter account, Mr. Oliver said that he also discussed with the Moroccan minister the new agenda for the Mediterranean which aims to enhance EU strategic cooperation with its Southern Neighborhood partners, by turning common challenges into opportunities serving the mutual interest of both sides.

The EU new agenda for the Mediterranean is based on an economic & investment plan (2021-2027) to spur the long-term socio-economic recovery in the Southern Neighborhood. Up to €7 billion would be allocated to its implementation.

The Moroccan minister praised the European Commissioner for his commitment and hailed the EU new agenda for the Mediterranean, saying it supports the new Moroccan-EU cooperation program agreed upon in the political, security, economic and social fields as well as in environment protection, migration and fight against global warming.

The new agenda is also in line with the priorities laid out by King Mohammed VI in his latest throne speech to consolidate the resilience of Moroccan national economy.

The EU has voiced readiness to support Mohammed VI strategic investment fund, Morocco’s social protection system, Green agricultural strategy, renewable energies and higher education sector.