Morocco, Tunisia determined to foster cooperation

Speakers of the House of Representatives and the Tunisian National Constituent Assembly (NCA), respectively Karim Ghellab and Mustapha Ben Jaafar, stressed, on Saturday in Tunis, their determination to strengthen bilateral cooperation at all levels to serve the interests of both countries and in order to meet the aspirations of the two brotherly peoples.

The meeting was an opportunity to review the subsequent developments in Tunisia since the beginning of the revolution and examine ways to develop bilateral cooperation in particular between the constitutional institutions of both countries, Ben Jaafar said following his talks with Ghellab.

He also expressed, in statements to the press, the wish to benefit from the Moroccan experience in democratic transition.

He added that the two sides affirmed their willingness to strengthen relations of cooperation between the two brotherly peoples to address the current challenges, recalling the long-standing ties between the two countries.

The Tunisian official said the two sides agreed to continue coordination and consultation with a view to achieving the aspirations of the peoples of the Maghreb to the building of the Great Arab Maghreb and move on failures that hamper this vital project for peoples of the region.

For his part, Ghellab said, at that meeting, both sides stressed their willingness to inject new momentum to relations between the two countries, especially between the Moroccan Parliament and the Assembly of Tunisia.

He also stressed the importance of deepening and strengthening “the relations of fraternity and friendship between the peoples of Morocco and Tunisia,” expressing his joy to take part in festivities marking the first anniversary of the Revolution Tunisia, which has raised hope among all the Arab peoples.

Ghellab is heading the delegation in the celebrations marking the first anniversary of the Tunisian revolution for freedom and dignity.

Tunisian President thanks HM the King for warm welcome he was given during his visit to Morocco

Tunisian President Mohamed Marzouki expressed his thanks to HM King Mohammed VI for the warm welcome that he was given, as well as the delegation which accompanied him during his visit to Morocco

Tunisian President said he perceived HM the King's clear will to revitalize Maghreb Union 

Tunisian President Mohamed Moncef Marzouki said he has perceived a clear will from HM King Mohammed VI to reinvigorate the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) and to rebuild this regional bloc on new foundations.

Tunisian President’s visit to Morocco, step towards achieving Maghreb peoples’ ambitions: Moroccan Head of Government

Moroccan Head of Government Abdelilah Benkirane said the visit of Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki to Morocco is an important step towards achieving the ambitions of the peoples of the Maghreb region who yearn for unity.

 In a statement to the press after the audience granted to him, in Rabat, by Tunisia’s President, who began on Wednesday a working and brotherly visit in Morocco, Benkirane stressed the two countries’ common will to achieve the expected Maghreb unity, especially through opening borders and reactivating the cooperation in various fields, as is the case for several regional blocs which managed to integrate despite many points of discord.

The Premier said this visit is important to contribute to reinvigorating the various protocols and agreements between the two brotherly countries and thus make bilateral cooperation a concrete and tangible reality.

Through this symbolic visit, said Benkirane, both countries have taken an important step towards a promising future marked by cooperation and effective partnership, with a view to achieving the Maghreb unity.

Tunisian's President visit to Morocco

The President of the Republic of Tunisia, Mohamed Moncef El Merzouki, perform a brotherhood and work visit to Morocco from 8 to 10 February, announced Monday, the Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol and Chancellery in a statement .

Here's the translation:

The Department of the Royal Household, Protocol and Chancellery announces that Dr. Mohamed Moncef El Merzouki, President of the Republic of Tunisia will visit Morocco on Wednesday, February 8 to Friday 10 February 2012.

Tunisian president: "My visit to Morocco is extremely important both personally and politically"

- Interview by Ali-Benstitou. MAP

Tunisian President Mohammed Marzouki, stressed that the visit of brotherhood and work he will perform Wednesday in Morocco is "extremely important both personally and politically," noting that his talks with King Mohammed VI will mainly be on how to activate the Maghreb project and develop links between the two brotherly countries.

In an interview with MAP, on the eve of his visit to Morocco, Mr Marzuki said he sees the kingdom as his "second country" with which it is bound by a "loving relationship", recalling that lived there for years and obtained his degree.

"My father lived and worked for 33 years in Morocco where he is buried. Half my family is Moroccan. I have three half-brothers (inbred) and Moroccans who are living in this country. That is why my visit is very intimate, "he said.

On the political front, Mr Marzuki said the move is "very important for Tunisia, in the sense that this year we will work to restore cohesion with our brothers in Algeria, Morocco, Libya and Mauritania, in order to resurrect the great dream of the Maghreb Union, frozen for years, "adding that after the Arab Spring has revitalized this project," we hope this will be the year of the Maghreb Union. "

Regarding bilateral cooperation, the Tunisian head of state noted that his talks with the sovereign and senior Moroccan officials offer the opportunity to consider ways able to develop bilateral relations and "to find solutions some outstanding issues, particularly the agreements remained outstanding under the old regime. "

Both sides will also discuss the situation of members of the Moroccan and Tunisian communities resident in the two respective countries to seek ways to facilitate their stay, he said. He recalled that he had previously given instructions "to regularize the situation of the majority of Moroccan brothers in Tunisia".

The Tunisian head of state hoped that, through the reactivation of the Maghreb Union, the Maghreb citizens enjoy what he called "five freedoms", namely freedom of movement, residence , working, investing and property and, finally, the right to participate in municipal elections. Tunisia, he assured, has already decided to go in this direction "as soon as possible", but would prefer that this be done under "collective decision".

Tunisian President Hails Morocco’s Political And Constitutional Reforms

Tunisian President Mohamed Moncef Marzouki hailed the political and constitutional reforms undertaken in Morocco.

The Tunisian President said in an interview with MAP that he is convinced that the wisdom and intelligence of Moroccan officials will ensure the success of the reform process which will enable Morocco to enter a new era of progress and prosperity.

He added that political reforms have become a pressing need in the Arab world since the region’s people will not accept corruption and abuse of power.
Morocco is among the countries that got the message and understood the importance of carrying out political reforms in order to avoid upheaval and bloodshed, said Marzouki who will start a visit to the Kingdom.

According to him, the Moroccan regime was aware that the specificities of the current phase calls for forging ahead with the reforms.

Morocco And Tunisia To Provide A Model Of Democratic Transition - Tunisian Ambassador

The Tunisian Ambassador Mr. Ben Achour Rafii hopes that Morocco and Tunisia will constitute "a model of democratic transition" in the Arab Maghreb region as well as the Arab world. On the eve of the visit by the Tunisian President, Mr. Mohamed Marzouki, the Tunisian diplomat stated in an interview with the MAP that the two countries have excellent bilateral relations.

In this regard, Mr ben Achour Rafii emphasized the determination of both countries to strengthen their relationships by giving them a new dynamic scheme in various spheres. This visit, he said, is likely to contribute to the coordination of positions of the two countries and strengthen their economic cooperation through the promotion of joint projects, adding that this visit also aims to "strengthen bilateral ties and open new prospects for bilateral economic, cultural and educational cooperation.

As a matter of fact, reinvigorating the Maghreban union is a “key priority” for Tunisia’s foreign policy, revitalizing the Maghreb will help the countries of the region (Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya) to achieve economic and political complementarities. “Nothing justifies the blockage of the Maghreban process,” he stressed, highlighting the region’s homogeneity.

Mr. Ben Achour said that the Maghreb countries are now driven by political will "to build the Maghreb Union on clear bases involving mainly the freedom of movement, work and investment", indicating that the priority of Tunisian diplomacy attaches importance to the Maghreb building space without neglecting the traditional relations with Europe and the Mediterranean.

The Tunisian official also voiced hope that the Sahara issue will cease being a hindrance to the economic development of the Maghreb. On this subject, Mr. Ben Achour reiterated his country's position calling for "unbiased reconciliation" between the two parties. Furthermore, he noted that the activation of the Maghreb Arab Union is more necessary than ever, adding that the peoples of the region aspire to see an area of free movement with open borders becomes true.

He is also among the staunch advocates for the return of Morocco to the African Union. “The African Union cannot do without a country as important as Morocco, this is a major anomaly that must be corrected,” he said in a speech at the opening of 18th Summit of the Heads of States and Governments of the African Union held in Addis Ababa.