Brussels, 01/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Union and Morocco have announced that talks are being launched on a new complete and in-depth trade agreement. Discussions on the conclusion of such a new generation agreement are due to begin after the visit by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso to Rabat on Friday 1 March, the aim of the visit being to formalise the start of a new phase in relations with Morocco, the first country of the region to benefit from an “advanced status” agreement. Barroso also met the head of the Moroccan government, Islamist Adbelillah Benkirane, as well as the presidents of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.
The agreement with Morocco aims, according to a Commission press release, to encourage the process of economic and commercial integration, as provided for in the advanced status framework. The Commission has said it appreciates the quality of cooperation and Barroso has welcomed progress made in discussions for a partnership on mobility. Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Legal Affairs, who is responsible for the dossier, was part of the Commission's delegation.
Stock was to be taken on implementing the new European neighbourhood action plan finalised in 2012, which, it is pointed out, encompasses all the fields of cooperation and will constitute the roadmap for partnership.
During the visit, there was also question of regional aspects, especially those relating to the Maghreb. There was a possibility that a new EU/Morocco agreement on fisheries might be concluded, although the subject did not officially appear on the agenda. (FB/transl.jl)