New Delhi: India and Morocco have agreed to mutually enhance bilateral economic cooperation. The two countries also identified new areas of collaboration such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, automobiles and renewable energy. The decision was taken during a meeting between Mr Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister, Government of India and Mr Salaheddine Mezouar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Morocco. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of common concern, besides aiming to hold Foreign Office Consultations later this year.
Mr Khurshid visited Morocco as part of his three-nation tour of natural resources rich North African countries. He will also visit Tunisia and Sudan to boost India’s ‘Look Middle East’ policy. During his visit, Mr Khurshid also met Mr Abdelilah Benkirane, Prime Minister of Morocco.
“India and Morocco have deep-rooted historical links from the days of the famous Moroccan traveller Ibn Batuta in the 14th century. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957, these ties have become multifaceted and stronger. “The focus of my visit is on intensifying our growing engagement,” added Mr Khurshid.
India and Morocco explored ways and means of diversifying their phosphate-centric economic and commercial relations which Mr Khurshid highlighted saying ‘have an immense untapped potential’. A lot of phosphoric acid and rock phosphate from Morocco are sourced to India for use in the fertiliser industry which helps India’s agriculture sector. In addition, two memorandum of understanding (MoUs) relating to cooperation in Marine Fisheries as well as in the field of Environment Cooperation were also signed during the minister’s visit.
“We have proposed the setting up of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Morocco, and we are happy that your government has accepted this proposal. We are working to see that this project is implemented at the earliest”. Also, “India will be pleased to offer additional slots and scholarships to Morocco for training and higher education under various schemes of the Government of India,” said Mr Khurshid.
Furthermore, Mr Khurshid praised Morocco for its economic growth and rights record and added that “We deeply appreciate Morocco’s support to India in the United Nations and other multilateral fora, including in particular for the expression of support for a permanent seat for India in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council”.
While extending an invitation to Mr Mezouar to visit India, the Minister said India would be happy to share its developmental experience and expertise with friendly developing countries like Morocco.
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