The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita had, on Thursday February 18, 2021, a telephone conversation with the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Mr. Oliver Varhelyi.
These talks, which are part of the regular consultations between the two officials, were an opportunity for MFA Bourita to pay tribute to the proactive commitment of the Commissioner Varhelyi, and to express his appreciation for his attention and partnership-based approach.
In this regard, MFA Mr. Bourita welcomed the publication by the European Commission on February 9th of the Communication on “A Renewed Partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood: An Agenda for the Mediterranean”. This Communication, which comes at the right time in a context marked by the health crisis, is a laudable development given its approach, content and the promising prospects.
The Minister welcomed the fact that the European Communication reinforces the ambitions agreed upon during the Association Council of June 2019 and the ministerial teleconference of October 2, 2020, and consolidates the new structuring of Morocco-EU bilateral relations in 4 areas (the political and security area, the economic and social area, the values area, and the shared knowledge one) and 2 aspects (environment and climate change, mobility and migration).
Mr. Bourita noted with satisfaction the shared fields of action between this Communication and its Investment Plan, and the priorities of the Kingdom set by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, in His Speech of the Throne, to foster the resilience of the national economy; which illustrates the relevance and wisdom of the Royal Vision.
The European plan, with a budget of up to 7 billion euros over 2021-2027, notably suggests the european participation in the Mohammed VI Strategic Investment Fund, support for the Morocco-EU Green Partnership and for the Kingdom’s renewable energy objectives, support for the establishment of social protection systems, support for the Green Generation agricultural strategy, and support for the higher education sector.
This European commitment is part of a logic of sustainable win-win investment, that would contribute to the economic integration not only between Morocco and the EU, but also within the African continent.
The telephone conversation between Commissioner Mr. Varhelyi and MFA Bourita was an opportunity to hail the dynamics of the strategic partnership between Morocco and the European Union, and to reaffirm the commitment of the two parties to further strengthen their multidimensional cooperation.
