Following the meeting Morocco’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Nasser Bourita, held with the High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, Mrs. Federica Mogherini and the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker last Tuesday in Brussels to find a solution to the ongoing agricultural agreement row, both sides issued the following joint statement.
“Morocco is a key partner of the European Union and the European Union is a key partner of Morocco. Both parties remain committed to and engaged in the defence of this partnership. This partnership between the European Union and Morocco spans half a century. It is an exemplary, rich and multidimensional partnership. The European Union and Morocco are determined to preserve and develop the partnership in its various dimensions.
“Both sides recognized the importance of maintaining stable trade relations. They agreed that the technical teams will be meeting soon to elaborate in detail the way forward.
“Discussions between the European Union and Morocco will continue in a climate of serenity and mutual trust, in order to agree on the arrangements necessary for the continued development of relations between the two parties, notably in the field of agriculture. Pending the conclusion of these discussions, appropriate measures will be taken if necessary to secure the implementation of the existing Free Trade Agreement for processed agricultural products and fisheries between the European Union and Morocco and to preserve the partnership’s achievements in this area.
“Recalling the strategic importance of their relations, both sides expressed their willingness to resume work and expand cooperation in all areas of common interest,” the joint statement closed.
