Ashton lauds reform steps taken by Morocco

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton met here Thursday Dr. Saad-eddine El-Othmani on his first official visit to Brussels as Moroccan Foreign Minister. "Morocco is a key partner in the EU neighbourhood, as recognised by its Advanced Status. I welcome the positive steps taken in recent months to intensify our existing cooperation still further," she said in a statement. Ashton noted that the cooperation included agreement of an EU-Morocco Action Plan 2013-2017 and the first round of negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. Further, El-Othmani will sign a political declaration for a Mobility Partnership tomorrow with EU Commissioner for home affairs Cecilia Malmstroem. "I commend the Moroccan Government's commitment to an ambitious reform programme. I am following with close interest planned reforms concerning women's issues. I encourage the Moroccan Government to move swiftly towards implementation of these and other key reforms to which it is committed, in the fields of justice, the economy and the media," she added.