Morocco, EU sign deal on 736-mln-dollar cooperation program

Morocco and the European Union (EU) signed Tuesday on a two-year cooperation agreement worth 736 million U.S. dollars, Morocco's official MAP news agency reported.

The 2011-2013 program aims to support the Moroccan government's efforts to promote social policies, modernizes economy, overhaul institutions, foster fair governance and protect environment, the report said.

An amount of 147 million U.S. dollars will be earmarked to eradicate slums, develop rural areas and support basic medical coverage program.

The program also targets fostering gender equality and promoting environmental standards in the kingdom's economic activities, according to the report.

The deal was signed by Morocco's Economy and Finance Minister Salaheddine Mezouar and head of the European Commission's delegation in Rabat Eneko Landaburu.

The program's objectives came in line with Morocco's economic and social priorities, Mezouar was quoted by MAP as saying during the signing ceremony.

According to the minister, Morocco has become the top recipient of financial aid under the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP).

ENP is a strategic policy by the European group to support reform agenda in its partner countries with a focus on the rule of the law, democratic process, and security.

Source: Xinhua