Morocco and Austria reaffirmed, on Tuesday in Rabat, their shared will to move forward and further the solid, strategic partnership between the two parties, and between Morocco and the EU as well.
In a press conference between Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Austrian Secretary General for Foreign Affairs Peter Launsky, the Moroccan official remarked that this visit reflects the King’s vision to diversify partners within the EU, notably among Central and Eastern Europe countries.
The minister said that his talks with Launsky focused on cooperation in security and counterterrorism issues, besides other regional and international issues.
Consular cooperation will be enhanced to combat illegal migration and swiftly respond to related problems, he said, adding that a high-level cooperation committee will be created to this end and will convene every three months.
In a separate meeting, earlier in the day, between head of government Aziz Akhannouch and Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer, crowned with the adoption of a joint statement, the two top officials underlined the need to establish a strategic dialogue between the two foreign ministers and foster inter-parliamentary relations.
On Illegal migration and human trafficking, they voiced their determination to fight this plague. In this regard, the two parties agreed to bolster cooperation concerning the rapid voluntary and non-voluntary return of illegal migrants, especially delinquents.
The two parties also commended the constructive and positive role of Morocco and Austria in peacekeeping and ensuring stability, each in its respective region. In addition, they noted the promising potential of relations with Israel in terms of peace, security and prosperity in the region.
Referring to the Sahara issue, the statement wrote that Austria deems that the autonomy plan, proposed by Morocco in 2007, is a serious and credible solution to the dispute. Both parties reiterated their support for UNSG personal envoy for the Sahara Staffan de Mistura, as well as for the political process under way.
This visit marks the commemoration of the 240th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.
On this occasion, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Moroccan employers’ body (CGEM) signed a draft cooperation agreement on economic matters.