MOROCCO - The External Outlook.

In speech delivered on April 28, 2000 to celebrate Moroccan diplomacy day, King Mohammed sent a message in which he outlined his vision for Morocco's relationship with external powers. Speaking to Moroccan diplomats, the king stated that one of the strategic goals of Moroccan foreign policy was to improve the country's adaptability to international changes. In other words, the king is looking for an approach that is line with present day globalisation trends in order to achieve greater integration in the world economy, and consolidate the country's development.

Mohammed emphasised that Morocco must draw the best advantages from globalisation while protecting the kingdom against the negative impacts of this worldwide integration. He also pointed out that the country's diplomats must convey Morocco's image as a stronghold of "democracy, modernity, human dignity, moderation and Islamic tolerance" and must tirelessly endeavour to "attract productive investments".

A great deal of importance is attached to Morocco's relationship with the EU. During a state visit to France in March 2000, the king called for a new relationship between the EU and its southern neighbours. Morocco is separated from Europe by the Strait of Gibraltar, which is just about 22 km wide. The kingdom's economic and strategic interests are more strongly rooted in Europe than in the Maghreb region. Over 60% of Morocco's exports go to European markets; most of its tourists come from Europe, as do remittances from its workers abroad and external loans.

Morocco is the biggest recipient of EU development aid. It also became, earlier this year, the second North African state (after Tunisia) to start implementing an EU association accord. The accord is to pave the way for tariff-free trade between the kingdom and the EU by 2012. The king has stated more than once that he would like to see the accord go much further to the point where free movement of labour accompanies free movement of goods.

The emphasis on strong relations with the EU does not mean Morocco is putting the US in second place. King Mohammed had a very successful visit to Washington in June during which he held talks with President Clinton and a number of other officials, and the palace emphasised the importance of the US in Morocco's worldview. From the US perspective, too, Morocco is extremely important as a stabilising influence both in North Africa and in the Middle East as a whole - especially in relation to the peace process. There will be no departure from the close linkage which the late King Hassan had with the US. It is significant that King Mohammed has given a key role in developing Morocco's relationship with the US to his cousin Moulay Hisham, who has spent a long time in America and has built a strong network of contacts there.

Soon after his crowning, King Mohammed began taking steps aimed at improving relations with the Maghreb states. At his father's funeral itself, the presence of Algerian President Bouteflika was seen as a new opportunity to improve relations. Despite frequent accusations by Algeria that Morocco supports elements of Algerian Islamist terrorist groups, King Mohammed has never raised the tone of his replies and has tried to understate the importance of such allegations. As a measure of building confidence with Algeria, the king has tried to take a non-confrontational approach on the question of the Western Sahara. He is trying to foster a solution of the issue that would bypass a referendum and suit both countries, possibly within the framework of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU). Both Mohammed and Bouteflika know that tensions between Rabat and Algiers would only benefit the Islamists.

Mohammed seems to have a greater commitment to the AMU than his father did. For instance, he has expressed Morocco's "firm political will to carry on the integration of the Grand Maghreb, consolidate the structures and institutions of the Arab Maghreb Union and set up mechanisms to promote the integration and complementarity process among the economies of our Maghreban nations... Morocco...will never spare, any effort to consolidate the Maghreban joint action... because AMU is an inevitable and strategic option". It is within this framework that Rabat calls on EU states to take a softer approach toward Libya and for the latter's inclusion in various projects for the Euro-Mediterranean zone. Morocco's relations with Libya, Tunisia and Mauritania are in good shape.

There will be continuity in Morocco's relations with the rest of the Arab World as well, with the country likely to play an important role - albeit behind-the-scenes - in any pan-Arab moves that can be expected as a result of the deteriorating peace environment. Like his father, King Mohammed will be a moderating influence alongside King Abdullah of Jordan. But it can equally be expected that Mohammed would be adamant on the question of East Jerusalem, etc. That Mohammed is prepared for a normal relationship with Israel was made clear when Israeli President Ezer Weizmann and Prime Minister Ehud Barak were allowed to enter the country to attend King Hassan's funeral. He has also retained his father's Jewish advisor, Andre Azoulay (see the latest edition of SBME).