Morocco made great efforts in terms of fighting poverty and social exclusion, the country's two top priorities, in addition to other issues such as literacy, Prince Philippe said at the closing ceremony of the 18th session of Moroccan-Belgian joint commission.

    He also hailed the outcome of the National Initiative for Human Development launched by HM King Mohammed VI and in which Belgium decided to increase its contribution to 4 million euros.

    Prince Philippe noted the persistence of some challenges relating to climate, rural development and employment, underlining that business activity need support especially at a time of economic crisis.

    Belgium's Development Cooperation Minister, Charles Michel, said that the 2010-2013 cooperation indicative program, which focuses on water and agriculture, will concentrate its actions in the northern and eastern regions of Morocco.

    Moroccan Foreign Minister, Taib Fassi Fihri, stressed that holding this session reflects the long and unbroken bilateral cooperation and the shared will to ensure its success and continuity.
 
    This evidences the relations of "mutual trust" between the partners of the two countries, Fassi Fihri underscored, adding that Belgium has brought a precious support to Morocco's social and economic development efforts.

    Later in the day, Prince Philippe decorated two Moroccan figures for their efforts to promote Moroccan-Belgian ties.

    Businessman Abdelali Berrada was decorated as Commander of the Order of the Crown, while specialist doctor, Mohamed Bezzari, was decorated as the Knight of the Order of the Crown.