European authorities satisfied at seriousness of Rabat's proposal on advanced status with EU,officia

Rabat - "The European authorities are satisfied with the seriousness of Morocco's proposal regarding the advanced status in its relations with the European Union (EU)," said Hugues Mingarelli, Deputy Director-General for External Relations in charge of European Neighborhood Policy.
 
    Mr. Mingarelli added, in an interview with Moroccan TV, on Saturday, that "the European Union is preparing an initial reply that will be submitted to the Moroccan partners during a meeting in Brussels in mid-July."

    He pointed out that the orientations of the advanced status of Morocco with the European Union will be determined before the end of this year and that a meeting is due next autumn at the level of Foreign Ministers between Morocco and the European Troika.

    The official noted that this status is aimed at further accompanying Morocco in its democratic transition and its integration in the European market.

    “It is necessary to abolish customs tariffs and promote relations among the populations,” he insisted, adding that the visa system should enable Moroccan nationals who have a good reason to go to Europe to do so “without being obliged to pay excessive tariffs and without going through off-putting procedures.”

    Mr. Mingarelli said Morocco has made substantial progress in implementing the action plan of the European neighborhood policy, launched three years ago.

MAP