A particular year for Morocco-EU relations, Ferrero Waldner.

Summary: The year 2008 is a special year for relations between the European Union (EU) and Morocco as it is marked by the consolidation of the momentum characterizing the longstanding partnership between the two sides, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy said.

The year 2008 is a special year for relations between the European Union (EU) and Morocco as it is marked by the consolidation of the momentum characterizing the longstanding partnership between the two sides, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy said. <p>"Relations between Morocco and the EU are undergoing sustained development. One has just to take into account the development of trade, finance and tourism to realize the current momentum," Benita Ferrero-Waldner said during a recent interview with MAP.

Welcoming EU's multidimensional partnership with Morocco, Waldner stressed that both sides share a common vision on many issues and are engaged in many projects to further deepen their relations. The EU commissioner also described the advanced status recently granted to Morocco as "an important step" and "a historic turning point".

"It's a courageous choice which shows that Europe is a credible partner that supports our neighbors' reforms," she said, commending the significant opportunities that this new step will offer.

Regarding politics, Waldner stressed that the advanced status, granted to Morocco on October 13- will result in strengthening consultations with Morocco, offering the possibility of holding EU-Morocco Summits and associating more closely Morocco in EU's crisis management operations.

The Advanced Status will also result in "the establishment of a thorough and comprehensive free exchange zone," she explained, noting that it will also tackle trade non-tariff barriers and facilitate market access for both European and Moroccan companies.

"We have an ambitious roadmap for the years to come," she said, commending "the great progress that Morocco has undoubtedly achieved in the economic field, as mirrored in the latest report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)."

Noting that Morocco has embarked on a "brave and realistic process" in the realm of human rights, Ferrero Waldner hailed the fruitful cooperation between Morocco and the EU on migration. "We share a common vision, agreeing that the solution to illegal immigration lies in implementing a comprehensive approach that touches on all the aspects of the migration issue."

The EU has established a Euro 70 mln cooperation program with Morocco to strengthen borders' control and encourage the flow of Moroccan seasonal workers to Spain, she recalled, calling for strengthening regional cooperation through "concrete projects that could strengthen dialogue and solidarity between peoples."

"The EU is in a good position to be aware of the merits of regional cooperation. This is the essence of our project and it has enabled us to spread peace in Europe. I hope that the Maghreb may also move in this way," she went on. On the Sahara issue, the EU commissioner reiterated EU's position that supports "the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General within the framework of direct negotiations held between the parties since last year."

"We hope that these negotiations can achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution," she said, adding "it is important that the parties show good faith, realism and commitment to these negotiations to reach a final solution."

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