Association agreement : A new stage in Morocco-EU relations, according to Mogherini

The adoption of the agriculture agreement between the European Union (EU) and Morocco, thanks to a favorable vote by a large majority of the European Parliament, marks the beginning of a new stage in relations between the two parties, said, Wednesday in Rabat, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.

Speaking at a press briefing after her meeting with minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Nasser Bourita, Mogherini said she is «convinced» that it is «possible to relaunch the Morocco-EU partnership on a new basis and give it a new impetus, in order to write a new, positive and intense chapter in the long history linking the European Union and the Kingdom».

In addition to having a key role in the Mediterranean neighborhood, Morocco is a «strategic partner of the EU for 50 years», the High Representative pointed out, noting that the EU and Morocco are currently aspiring to make a qualitative leap in their relations to build a regional partnership, particularly in the Mediterranean, the Arab world and Africa, that meets the expectations of citizens on both sides of the Mediterranean and achieves the common objectives of both parties.

This new strengthened partnership will also bring Morocco and the EU even closer together, which is in line with the reform initiated by Morocco under the 2011 Constitution, she added, stressing that the EU is ready to support the Kingdom, particularly in terms of national security.