Morocco key partner of EU in security, anti-terror: EU foreign policy chief

European Union (EU)'s High Representative of for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said Tuesday that Morocco is a privileged partner of EU in security, counter-terrorism and migration management.

Mogherini, in a press statement following her meeting with Moroccan interior minister Mohamed Hassad, praised the initiatives taken by the Moroccan government in cooperating with the EU.

During her first official visit to the Moroccan Kingdom since she assumed office in November 2014, Mogherini will still meet with several Moroccan officials to discuss relations between the two sides to boost bilateral economic, migration and security cooperation.

The EU diplomacy chief will discuss with officials Morocco's privileged status and its objectives with the EU since 2008, including ongoing democratic reforms in the country as well as financial support by the EU.

The talks will also cover current shared interest issues such as the Libyan crisis and the Middle Eastern situation.

In her remarks following the EU Foreign Affairs Council Monday, Mogherini said that Morocco plays a key role apropos to the Libyan crisis since it hosted talks amongst Libyan rival parties for months.

In addition to their strong security cooperation, Morocco and the EU maintain close business ties with one another.

According to figures released in June by Morocco's foreign exchange regulator, the EU is Morocco's leading economic partner with around 33 billion U.S. dollars worth in trade. Endit