Morocco to decide on future of its fisheries cooperation with EU: FM

Rabat, July 12 (BNA): Morocco will decide on the future of cooperation with the European Union in the field of fisheries in light of the government’s assessments and in consultation with European partners, Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Cooperation. And Moroccan Moroccans Nasser Bourita said today.

“The fisheries agreement between Morocco and the European Union is still valid. On the other hand, it is a marine fishing protocol concluded for a period of four years (2019-2023) and ending on July 17,” Bourita was quoted by MAP as saying. Press briefing at the conclusion of the third ministerial meeting of the African-Atlantic Process.

The minister added that this is a “programmed” lapse since the conclusion of the protocol for a period of 4 years, starting on July 18, 2019.

Bourita described the protocol’s implementation as “satisfactory,” noting that the cooperation has been “positive and mutually beneficial” over the past four years.

He confirmed that a meeting is scheduled for this week in Brussels between the Moroccan authorities and their European counterparts, within the framework of a joint committee in the fisheries sector, to conduct a joint assessment of these four years.

Regarding the future of the fisheries agreement, the minister indicated that “the Moroccan government is currently studying” three axes.

The first, he said, is “doctrinal,” stressing that Morocco today, in line with the vision and foreign policy set by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, favors partnerships “with clear added value.”

Bourita stressed that “Morocco would like to see more advanced partnerships where the Moroccan added value is stronger.”

With regard to the second criterion, the minister explained that the Kingdom has developed a national strategy for hunting “Halieutis” and has developed a vision dedicated to the development of the sector, which takes into account the expectations of operators and requires adjustments within the framework of interaction. with partners.

He noted that the third criterion, which the government incorporates into its thinking and evaluation, is related to scientific data, with the aim of preserving this important natural resource for Morocco and Moroccans, and ensuring its sustainability.

Bourita stressed that “Morocco will therefore interact with the European side on the basis of this current thinking,” referring to the continuation of dialogue and cooperation with European partners.

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