"We admire the commitment of the Moroccan people and authorities to forge ahead on the path of peaceful democratization according to their own model,” highlighted Juppé following a meeting with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Taib Fassi Fihri.

Referring to the recent setting up of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the Mediator Institution, Juppé described the measures taken to protect human rights in the Kingdom as a “bold and ambitious initiative”.

Morocco, the first country south of the Mediterranean to be granted an Advanced Status in its relations with the EU, continues to move forward on the path of openness, Juppé added, noting that Europe is called upon to fully play its role in supporting the Kingdom’s reforms through concrete projects within the framework of the neighborhood policy.

At the bilateral level, Juppé voiced willingness to further boost relations expressing satisfaction over the “very close ties” between the two friendly countries.

Concerning the issue of Morocco's territorial integrity, The French official reiterated his country’s position making it clear that Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara is a “serious and credible” basis for settling the over-three decade conflict.

The two officials also discussed the situation in Libya and the means to find a political and diplomatic way out of this crisis.