On Thursday 11 September, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica explained that the ‘New Pact for the Mediterranean’, due to be presented by the European Commission in mid-October, will make it possible to work as equals with partners on the southern shore.
“This New Pact is not just a strategy. It is a partnership of equals. [We share a] joint commitment to work closer across the Mediterranean”, she explained at the high-level regional retreat on the future of Euro-Mediterranean relations in Rabat, Morocco.
Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita called for a “real partnership” relationship, for “balanced relations based on mutual respect and not on the donor’s logic and dependence between those who dictate the path and those who follow it, or rather on the idea that the south always represents a threat”.
“Morocco is in favour of a relationship based on the idea of integration and complementarity, according to which we need each other to face challenges together”, he insisted.
The European commissioner also emphasised the EU’s “highly advanced partnership and cooperation” with Morocco, a “bridge to Africa”. “The time has come to deepen our cooperation and partnership. I therefore hope that we will do so in the coming months”, added Ms Šuica. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)