Brussels, 17/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on Monday 16 December, the EU and Morocco held the 11th session of their Association Council which was clearly marked by their mutual satisfaction regarding the relationship established under the association agreement and intensified by the setting in place of action plans. A new action plan for the period 2013-2017 was formally approved on that occasion. The plan has in fact been in application since January 2013.
During the final press conference, not only Linas Linkevicius, Lithuanian Foreign Minister and President-in-office of the Council, but also his Moroccan counterpart, Salaheddine Mezouar, and European Commissioner Stefan Füle noted how important this achievement was. They also reiterated the commitment to anchor Morocco more in the EU, both from an economic point of view and through the sharing of political and social values. Mutual commitments were also taken to finalise discussions opened on trade (in-depth free-trade agreement), on mobility, and in all chapters aimed at closer normative and regulatory ties between the EU and Morocco, which is considered as one of the weakest partners of the EU.
In different ways, Morocco has shown its resolve to attach itself to Europe, not only economically but also in politics and from the security aspect, while the Mediterranean region and the Sahel-Sahara region requires more attention and vigilance.
The positive momentum in bilateral relations thus noted marks a new stage in the relationship, as stated with appreciation in the joint final declaration. Morocco is recognised as an important partner for the EU as it plays a key role within the Euro-Mediterranean area and the EU-Africa Partnership. The EU hopes to continue developing a strong bilateral relationship with Morocco, founded on shared values, mutual respect and solidarity. Morocco, which has made progress in political and administrative reform is, however, encouraged to consolidate that progress. Observations were made on the delays in reform of the justice system, for example. As is wont, the EU chooses in such cases to give encouragement to move forward rather than condemnation.
This mutual satisfaction was strengthened by the signing of the fisheries agreement, the importance of which is not only economic but also political and which was formally approved by the Council of Ministers in that sector meeting the very same day in Brussels. (FB/transl.jl)