Brussels, 20/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - S&D Group leader in the European Parliament Hannes Swoboda said on Monday 20 February, after meeting a series of high-level Moroccan politicians, including the country's prime minister: “After last week's vote in the European Parliament approving the agricultural agreement with Morocco, I have seen that there is great willingness for future co-operation between the EU and Morocco.” Strengthening economic and political relations between the EU and Morocco “can become an example for the entire region”, he suggested. Exactly one year ago Morocco launched a reform movement in the country.
Swoboda said that Europe must help Morocco to continue in its reforms. “Support for the government's work on fighting corruption will be of crucial importance. Any improvements reducing corruption will also have a direct impact on the way European investors view doing business in the country”, he argued. He said, too, that the issue of the Western Sahara was raised in all discussions. He is very grateful for the invitation received for the S&D Group to visit the Western Sahara this year, “which I have accepted with great interest”. (LC/transl.rt)