King Mohammed VI Current Events 1: September 2003 - December 2007

[rosa]

Originally posted by gusto@Jul 5th, 2004 - 6:43 pm
i doud it. white house never invites wifes for working meetings.

When he went in washigton in 2000, lalla Meryem went with him, there are lot of pictures of them with Bill and Hillary Clinton

[gusto]

yes, but that was official visit

[Asma2]

HM King Mohammed VI arrived in Washington


Washington, 07/07/04 - HM King Mohammed VI arrived Wednesday (18h06 HL, 22h06 GMT) to Washington, for a working visit in the United States.

All the best to HM on his US visit. :flower:

[*light*]

I praise King Mohammed for modernization of women and children law. Do other women from arab countries want to have similar law?

[gusto]

TANGIER (northern Morocco), July 15 – HM King Mohammed VI of Morocco received, here Wednesday, Spanish defense minister, José Bono Martinez. The Spanish minister was accompanied by chief of staff for the defense, Felix Sanz Boldan. Relations between Spain and Morocco were given a fresh impetus since a visit, last April, of the Spanish Prime Minister to Morocco in the wake of his election.

http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...e_sm_150704.htm

[Mysterious]

Morocco’s GDP rose by 5.2% in 2003

Morocco’s Gross domestic product( GDP) posted a 5.2% rise in 2003, against 3.2% in 2002, according to the annual report of Morocco’s central bank, presented to HM king Mohammed VI Friday by the bank’ governor, Abdellatif Jouahri.

The non-farm share of the rise was of 4.4%, with 348.2 billion Dirhams, while farm-GDP rose by 9.8%, to reach 70.4 billions.

According to Bank Al Maghrib, “the year 2003 was characterized by a marked recovery connected with the easing of the international political tensions, the strength of the capital markets and the recovery of their performances, as well as by the downward adjustment of the exchange rate for the dollar against the euro.”

“Growth speeded up from 3.2% in 2002 to 5.2% in 2003, with an increase of 18% in the value added of primary activities and of 3.2% in that of other sectors. However, while inflation was kept under control, having amounted to only 1.2%, the employment situation worsened slightly, with the unemployment rate reaching 11.9%. Thanks to the privatization receipts, the budget deficit was reduced, while still remaining slightly above the target of 3% of GDP set by Finance Act,” Bank Al Maghrib said.



http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...lmaghrib_g8.jpg

[Mysterious]

Northern city of Nador to be linked by $250 million railway



NADOR,(Northeastern Morocco) July 20 - The Northeastern city of Nador will be linked for the first time by a railway under a US$ 250 million convention signed, here Tuesday, in presence of HM King Mohammed VI.

The 117 km-long railway will link the city of Taourirt (east) to Nador.

The Hassan II Fund for economic and social development will contribute 900 million Dhs ($100 million) and the government 960 millions to the project’s infrastructure. Machinery and equipment will be provided by the railway office (ONCF).

The project is part of the strategy aiming at ensuring a balanced and integrated development of the northeastern region of the Kingdom, according to the Government.

The railway will also link the port of Beni Enzar (on the border with the Spanish enclave of Melillia) to the national railway network. This will constitute a qualitative improvement in the diversification of international exchanges since it will open up the eastern and centre region on the Mediterranean.

The project, in addition to other important ongoing projects, will also contribute to boosting social and economic activities in the north of the country.

The new railway is expected to be operational by the end of 2007.

With this new project the contributions of the Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development in development projects reach 11.5 billion Dhs (1.2 billion dollars).

http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...nador200704.htm

[Ulika]

Sale, near Rabat 23/07/04 - HM King Mohammed VI, Amir Al Mouminine, proceeded the installation of the first stone for construction with district Al Inbiaât in Salé of a mosque that the Sovereign baptized "Mosque Al Birr".

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Sale, 23/07/04 - At the end of the Prayer of Friday achieved by HM King Mohammed VI, Amir Al Mouminine, Mosque Al Aâdham in Salé, the Sovereign carried out the handing-over of the Price Mohammed VI 2004 of the coranic schools.

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http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...ix_coran_g8.jpg

Rabat, 22/07/04 - HM King Mohammed VI received Thursday, in the Royal Palate of in Rabat, the secretary of the general popular committee of the relations foreign and the international co-operation of Jamahiriya Libyan woman, Mr. Abderrahmane Cholghom.

http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...es/libyen-8.jpg

Rabat, 22/07/04 - HM King Mohammed VI, accompanied by HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, proceeded, Thursday with the Royal Palate in Rabat the nomination of several walis and governors of prefectures and provinces of the Kingdom.

http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...ns_22_07_04.htm

Rabat, 22/07/04 - HM King Mohammed VI, accompanied by HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, chaired, Thursday in district Yaâcoub El Mansour in Rabat, the ceremony of presentation of the national Programme of fight against the unhealthy habitat in the towns of Rabat, Salé and Témara

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http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...habitat-2-8.jpg

Casablanca, 24/07/04 - HM King Mohammed VI inaugurated, Saturday in Sidi Maârouf, in the prefecture of district of Aïn Chock, the first section of the project of habitat Al-Moustakbal, which lies within the scope of the promotion of the social habitat and the habitat at low cost, initiated by the private sector, and chaired the ceremony of handing-over of the keys the first recipients.


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http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...staqbal_g_8.jpg

Casablanca, 24/07/04 - HM King Mohammed VI proceeded, Saturday in Nouaceur, the launching of the initial work of the project of habitat "Year-Nakhil", which lies within the scope of the foreground program of eradication of the unhealthy habitat in the wilaya of Large Casablanca

http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...nakhil_2_g8.jpg
http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200..._nouacer_g8.jpg

Casablanca, 24/07/04 - HM King Mohammed VI proceeded, Saturday in Hay Attacharouk de Sidi Moumen, in Casablanca, the inauguration of the first part of the third section of the project of habitat of the programme of rehousing of the inhabitants of the shantytowns of Ben Me Sik and with the handing-over of the keys with certain recipients

http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...attachar_g8.jpg
http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...harouk_2_g8.jpg

[Asma2]

KM6is getting better and better every day. He knows what he is doing. I love the idea of building those mosques in lower-income areas; it will help prevent illegal preaching. I love to see him working with his brother Prince My Rachid. I just love those two brothers.

Does anyone have some info on Hassan Fund? They do support many good projects. Where are money coming from? Do they have any north-American account? I cannot find anything on web; maybe I should do searching in French.

[gusto]

TETUAN, July 26 - HM King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander of the Royal Armed Forces, appointed, here Monday, lieutenant-general Abdelaziz Bennani, chief inspector of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).
During the audience, the Moroccan sovereign gave instructions to General Benanni to lead a proximity action through field inspections, and visits to military units.
General Bennani will remain in the top command of southern areas until the sovereign appoints a new person in this post.
HM the King also received General Abdelhak Kadiri to whom he extended the Wissam Al Arch, the highest distinction in Morocco.

http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...diri_260704.htm

[Ulika]

HM King Mohammed VI of morocco on Friday insisted on a “mutually acceptable, final political solution to the artificial dispute” over the Moroccan Sahara, and voiced resolve to work together with the United Nations and neighboring countries to settle the three-decade long dispute opposing the Kingdom to the Algeria-backed separatist movement “Polisario”.



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[gusto]

TETOUAN, Aug.03 - HM King Mohammed VI received Tuesday at the royal palace here founding chairman of Senegal's Islamic institute of sciences, education and culture, Haji Amadou Mustapha Wade.

Mustapha Wade was accompanied during the audience by Senegal's ambassador to Rabat, Ibou Ndiaye.


http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royales_200...egal_030804.htm

[La la]

A new family code in Morocco

[gusto]

Morocco remains a model of tolerance and openness in Mediterranean civilisations, HM King

Rabat, Aug. 5 - Morocco remains a model of tolerance and openness of Mediterranean civilisations toward each other, both western and eastern with all their diverse cultural identities and religions, said HM King Mohammed VI.

In a message to the second session of the interparliamentary conference on human rights and religious freedom, opened Thursday in Brussels, HM the king said this tolerance and openness are particularly highlighted in modern Morocco that is based on renovation and on democratic principles, development of human rights, dialogue and interaction between civilisations.

The Moroccan sovereign underscored the importance of the theme of the conference revolving around human rights and religious freedom “in a world that is starting to be aware of the dangers of obscurantism, ignorance, fanatism and violence”.

HM King Mohammed VI said in the message addressed to the conference, sponsored by the American Institute on religion and public policy and attended by several members of Parliaments and other political and diplomatic personalities, the issues debated by the conference should be presented for discussion to world parliaments to work out a vision “that would inspire legislations to the service of all humanity in accordance to its immediate and remote interests”.

Human rights research went beyond individuals to focus on a vision that regards human rights as those of groups living in specific contexts that require respect necessitating a formulation of these rights in a way eschewing contradiction and incompatibility, the Sovereign said.

This vision will ensure that religious freedom, as part of these rights, will not be dissociated from man’s duty to protect this freedom to the benefit of the individual and the others by refraining from using it in a way harmful “to himself and to others,” and by defending it efficiently through appropriate legislations, said HM King Mohammed VI, praising the role of the American institute in defending these values.

Islam, said the Sovereign, cherishes the concept of the unified family, upholds the concept of the uniqueness of the origin and the uniqueness of final destiny and emphasises the spirit of collective responsibility in the management of the land.

In dealing with these basic concepts, Islam has enshrined a global and larger concept, that of the need of men to each other’s contribution by setting ties based on civilisation openness that recognises the other’s experience and work, said HM King Mohammed VI.

The Moroccan King lauded the holding of the conference as a praise-worthy initiative, for it offers an opportunity to share viewpoints and experiences that “our peoples have acquired during centuries offering diverse and diversified views, that are as many possibilities for a large complementarity between humans”.

The complementarity, said the Sovereign, can help protect from one-sided thinking, prevent the temptation of self-isolation from other civilisations, and help easily solve problems, suffice it they be dealt with taking into account the experiences of other civilisations.

Moroccan King receives sports delegation to Athens Olympic games

TETUAN, Aug. 05 – HM King Mohammed VI received Thursday in the Royal Palace, members of the Moroccan sports delegation that will take part in the 28th edition of the Olympic games.

The Olympic games will take place this August 13-29 in Athens.

The Moroccan delegation to Athens comprises 90 members, including athletes and technical, medical and administrative staff.

The Moroccan athletes will participate in different categories, including 18 (football), 2 (tennis), 2 (weight lifting), 1 (swimming), 1 (fencing), 3 (taekwondo), 2 (Judo), 7 (box) and 28 athletic games.

HM the king also extended Royal Wissams (the highest distinction in Morocco) to several sports champions, including Nawal El Moutawakel, the Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, who has been recently nominated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as chairwoman of the Evaluation Commission of the five candidate cities to host 2012 Olympic Games.

Royal wissams were also extended to other Moroccan sports figures, including Mustapha Lakhssem, world champion of full contact in 2004, Jawad Gharib, marathon world champion in 2003, and Abdelati Iguidir, gold winner in the 1.500m world championship of juniors athletics.

HM King receives Libyan and Mauritanian Foreign ministers

TETUAN, Aug.05 – HM King Mohammed VI of Morocco received, Thursday in the Royal Palace, separately Libyan and Mauritanian foreign ministers, Abderrahmane Cholghom and Mohamed Vall Ould Bellal.

The Libyan official is an envoy of Libyan leader, Mouammar Gadhafi.

HM the king hailed at the meeting the relations binding Morocco to the two countries and the fruitful dialogue with Colonel Moammar Kadhafi and president Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed Tayaa.

The Moroccan monarch urged for unifying ranks of countries of the Arab Maghreb Union and overcome the obstacles and problems hampering the realization of the Maghreb people’s aspirations to build a harmonious regional space, based on mutual respect and preservation of the unity and sovereignty of Maghreban countries.

The Arab Maghreb Union is a regional grouping, mustering Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. Set up in Marrakesh in 1989, it is known by its French acronym UMA.

The development of UMA countries and the establishment of stability in the region require intensified efforts and a sound environment to take up the development challenges and play a significant role at the regional and continental levels, said the sovereign.

HM the king also voiced satisfaction for the joint readiness expressed by Libya and Mauritania to open a fresh page in their bilateral relations.

The audience took place in the presence of Moroccan foreign minister, Mohammed Benaissa and minister-delegate of foreign affairs and cooperation, Taib Fassi Fihri.

[gusto]

Tunisia welcomes Morocco's decision to waiver visa requirements for Algerians
Posted: 08/07
From: Mathaba

Tunisia has welcomed the decision of Morocco to waiver the visa requirement for the entry into Morocco by Algerian nationals.

In a statement reported by the Tunisian al-Hurrya newspaper today, the Tunisian minister of foreign affairs, al-Habib Ben Yahya confirmed that the decision represented an important step that would contribute to the consolidation of bridges of rapprochement and contacts between the two brotherly people of Morocco and Algeria, and drive forward the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) and realize the aspirations of the people of AMU for integration and merger.

Morocco decided last Friday to waiver the visa requirement for the entry of Algerian citizens into Morocco, saying the decision translates the Kingdom of Morocco's intention and sincere desire to promote rapprochement between the two brotherly people, and the cooperation relations between the two AMU member states.

The AMU welcomed the decision of King Mohammed vi of Morocco. The Secretary of the General People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation, chairman of the current session of the AMU Foreign Ministers Council, told the official Libyan news agency JANA that the measure was yet another step to activate the Arab Maghreb Union and develop brotherly relations among its member states.

The Secretary highlighted the importance attached to such measure, since it contributed to the freedom of the movement of Arab Maghreb people within the Union member states. It also comes as an embodiment of what the AMU foreign ministers council underlined in its 22nd. session held in Sirte, Libya, on July 24.

Libyan leader receives Message from HM King of Morocco

TRIPOLI, Aug.07 - Libyan leader Mouammar Gadhafi received on Friday an oral message from HM King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

The message was conveyed by Royal envoy, Mohamed Rochdi Chraibi.

On Thursday, HM the King had received separately Libyan and Mauritanian foreign ministers, Abderrahmane Cholghom and Mohamed Vall Ould Bellal.

Following the royal audience, the Mauritanian foreign minister Morocco’s good offices to facilitate the “rapprochement between Libya and Mauritania”.

He also told the press the Royal audience allowed “opening a new page in relations” between Mauritanian and Libya.

The sovereign hailed at the meeting the relations binding Morocco to the two countries and the fruitful dialogue with Colonel Moammar Kadhafi and president Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed Tayaa.

The meeting with Cholghom was an occasion to “open a new page in bilateral relations, in the service of the two peoples,” noted Ould Bellal, underlining that the situation in the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA- mustering Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia) was also raised in the meeting.

The Moroccan monarch urged for unifying ranks of countries of the Arab Maghreb Union and overcome the obstacles and problems hampering the realization of the Maghreb people’s aspirations to build a harmonious regional space, based on mutual respect and preservation of the unity and sovereignty of Maghreban countries.

The Arab Maghreb Union is a regional grouping, mustering Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. Set up in Marrakesh in 1989, it is known by its French acronym UMA.

The development of UMA countries and the establishment of stability in the region hinges on intensified efforts and a sound environment to take up the development challenges and play a significant role at the regional and continental levels, said the sovereign.

The monarch also voiced satisfaction for the joint readiness expressed by Libya and Mauritania to open a new page in their bilateral relations.

[matesha]

His Majesty King M6 (Phd. in Law) addressed the UN general assembly in its 59 session (9/21-10/1)on Tuesday Sept 21st. I respect him, his speech was in Arabic

You can read the text of the speech in several languages and view him presenting the speech (original and English) through this link...Once you hit the link, just scroll down until you see Morocco

http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/archives.html

NB: King of Morocco has a Phd in Law and not a JD...

[Amira]

HM King highlights need to enhance political parties’ role

RABAT, Oct 8 – HM King Mohammed VI of Morocco, on Friday, highlighted the need to enhance the role of political parties, a move, he explained, would help tackle major issues confronting the Moroccan society.

In a speech at the opening of the fall Parliament session after recess, the monarch deemed it appropriate to focus on the need to enhance the role of political parties, “by establishing a renovated and effective legal framework; one that would enable political parties to draw their juridical legality from their democratic legitimacy.”

This, he explained, should foster the creation of parties “likely to offer specific, original, collective answers to major issues confronting our society, instead of seeking to fulfil personal ambitions or accommodate narrow interests.”

He urged the political parties to “fulfil their basic role with respect to sensitising and leading people, preparing qualified elites to run public affairs and to take up the crucial challenge of achieving sustainable development, in a civilized, truly democratic way.”

Among the main issues to be discussed by the Parliament during this third legislative year, there is the long awaited and controversial draft bill on political parties.

This bill, the monarch said, “should make it possible to rationalize, renovate and protect the national political landscape. It is also likely to induce like-minded political parties to unite and form strong blocs.”

“It reflects my desire to further enhance institutional modernization efforts, and to make sure effective political polarization is not impaired by an unbridled multiparty system.”

The monarch expects this bill, prior to the next general elections set for 2007, to “give us a clear political map, making it possible, in the light of election results, to give a parliamentary majority - which has homogeneous programmes and polarity - a mandate to govern the country, while the minority plays a constructive role in the opposition, and its rights are strictly observed. “

He, however, noted that once approved, this “fundamental law will not be complete unless it is supported by a programme contract designed to achieve full upgrading of the political and information landscape. The state would be party to such a programme and provide the relevant institutions and actors concerned with the means of action required, taking into account their respective clout as well as their representativeness in parliament, as determined by a suitable and effective voting system.”

Similarly, he went on, the creation of political parties as well as their programmes, financing, management and internal regulations must all be in keeping with the requirements of democracy and transparency, consistent with the rule of law, and subject to judicial control.

Describing it as a “landmark in our endeavours to forge ahead with the democratic transition,” the monarch said this bill calls for the revamping of parliamentary action, by moving from purely classic representation to modern parliamentary government; hence the need for a committed form of parliamentary action that serves public interest, rejects sterile politicking and strives, instead, to promote fruitful partnerships with state agencies as well as the private sector.”

HM King Mohammed VI also urged the political parties to contribute, “through a more open, effective parliamentary diplomacy, to enhancing Morocco’s influence abroad and to defending the nation’s interests.”

Fearing that “the enemies of democracy may well use the liberties afforded by democracy to destroy it, taking unfair advantage of the poverty and frustration of destitute people”, HM King Mohammed VI said he was keen to ensuring that the modernization of the political landscape – with all it has achieved as regards the consolidation of the rule of law and of the institution-based state – is backed up by structural reforms to give fresh impetus to the modernization and upgrading of the economy, and to enhancing social solidarity.”

[Amira]

Morocco attached to dialogue, openness, respect for good neighbourliness, says HM King

RABAT, Oct 8 – HM King Mohammed VI, on Friday, insisted on Morocco’s commitment to dialogue and to the stability of its “strategic environment”, in a speech before Parliament at the opening of its first session of the third legislative year.

“Morocco will remain attached to its civilized approach based on dialogue, openness, fulfilment of obligations, respect for good neighbourliness, and commitment to the stability of its strategic environment,” the monarch told MPs after Parliament recess.

“We have every right to be proud of the solid foundations we have been able to lay during this phase in our history to shape a nation fit for today and tomorrow. And yet, we must remain mobilized and vigilant,” the monarch said before warning that “our country’s democratic system and distinctive identity are being challenged by terrorism and extremism, a threat looming over the entire world.”

He explained that Morocco “is confronted with attempts by its adversaries to undermine its territorial integrity. It is also the subject of external designs. Furthermore, its progress is being hampered by low productivity as well as inadequate competitiveness and human development.”

“These are daunting challenges which can only be tackled through all-out mobilization as well as relentless, sustained action on our part to build a democratic, prosperous society,” the monarch said.

“Morocco will remain attached to its civilized approach based on dialogue, openness, fulfilment of obligations, respect for good neighbourliness, and commitment to the stability of its strategic environment”, HM the king said in conclusion.

HM King receives UMA secretary general

Rabat, Oct. 08 – HM King Mohammed VI, accompanied by prince Moulay Rachid, received Friday at the parliament secretary general of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Habib Boularas.

UMA is a regional grouping, set in 1989 in Marrakesh. In addition to Morocco, it musters Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.

HM the king also received Friday the minister in charge of relations with parliament, Mohamed Saad El Alami, who presented to the sovereign a book on governmental activities in the parliament in the 1st and 2nd legislative years of the 7th legislature.

Earlier, the monarch chaired the opening of the first parliament session of third legislative year.

Tangier, Oct. 12- HM King Mohammed VI of Morocco received, here Tuesday, an iconographic book on royal palaces gardens in Morocco.

The book was presented to HM the king by Mohamed Metalsi, director of cultural action in the Paris-based Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA), Jean Baptiste Leroux, a photographer, and Malika Slaoui, director of a publishing house specialized in the promotion of Morocco’s cultural and historical heritage.


http://www.map.co.ma/mapfr/Act_Royal...vre_121004.htm

Tangier, Oct. 13 – HM King Mohammed VI, visited Wednesday Mohammed V mosque in Tangier to inquire about the anti-illiteracy program organized in several mosques in the kingdom, under the aegis of the Habous (endowments) and Islamic Affairs Ministry.

The visit of the sovereign, Amir Al Mouminine (commander of the faithful), coincides with the national day to fight illiteracy.

Since this program was launched in 2000, it benefited to 56.539 people, including 39.025 women.

Some 8.283 people, including 5.283 women (71pc), enrolled for the 2004-2005 program, that is supervised by 200 teachers in 101 mosques.

Mosques’ anti-illiteracy program was launched at the initiative of HM King Mohammed VI to rehabilitate mosques and bolster their cultural role.

[abir]

I admire the Moroccan king M6 activities, but where is lalla salma?

From map


SM le Roi offre un ftour en présence de Mmes Chirac et Fanfani et Cheikh Tantaoui


Fès, 22/10/04- SM le Roi Mohammed VI a offert, vendredi au palais royal à Fès, un ftour auquel ont pris part Mmes Bernadette Chirac, épouse du chef d'Etat français et Maria Pia Fanfani, présidente de la Fondation Together for peace, Cheikh Mohamed Sayed Tantaoui, grand Imam d'Al Azhar Acharif, les délégations les accompagnant, ainsi que les ambassadeurs de France, d'Italie et d'Egypte au Maroc.

Ont également pris part à ce ftour, Mme Zoulikha Nasri, Conseiller de SM le Roi et Mohamed Rochdi Chraibi, membre du Cabinet royal.

[Amira]

HM King Mohammed VI heads for Mexico

Marrakech, Nov. 23 – HM King Mohammed VI left the southern Moroccan city of Marrakech, on Tuesday, heading for Mexico in an official visit.
Mexico is the first leg of the Moroccan monarch’s tour in five south American countries, including Brazil, Peru, Chili and Argentina.

Mexico, Nov. 23 - The official visit HM King Mohammed VI is paying to Mexico part of a five-nation tour in south America is expected to open fresh prospects for bilateral relations.

The consolidation of political, economic and cultural cooperation will be a major focus of the royal visit.

Morocco is Mexico’s major partner in Africa and the Arab world. Exchanges between the two sides are constantly developing. In 2003, they were estimated at 585.5 million Dhs (around US $65 million), including 128.3 million Dhs (US $14.2 million) of imports and 457.5 million Dhs (US $50.8 million) of exports.

Morocco’s two-way trade with Mexico tops exchanges with south American countries. Mexico is the third importer of Moroccan raw phosphate behind the United States and Spain. Phosphates constitutes 54pc of Morocco’s exports to Mexico.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s exports to Morocco mainly include car spare parts, sugar, spices and tobacco.

Mexican Deputy minister for foreign relations, Maria de Lourdes Aranda Bezaury, said in an interview with MAP the royal visit will help concretize cooperation prospects and promote economic relations through the reinforcement of contacts between Moroccan and Mexican businesspersons.

The Mexican official said the visit will also consolidate political links between the two countries, underlining that Morocco and Mexico adopt “similar stances” within international organizations in several issues.

“There is a great entente between Rabat and Mexico at the political level, which is the result of several years of efforts” to consolidate bilateral relations, she said.

HM King Mohammed VI met Mexican president, Vicente Fox, twice in 2003, first on the fringes of the UN General Assembly in New York, and second in October 2003 in Mexico during a visit of HM the king to the south American country.

At the end of his visit to Mexico, HM the king will head for Brazil, Peru, Chili and Argentina.