Morocco and the European Union (EU) have agreed to continue their cooperation as provided for in the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, which “remains in force”, so as to deepen their bilateral partnership.
According to the joint communiqué published at the end of the 5th session of the Mixed Commission in charge of monitoring the Agreement, held Thursday in Brussels, “Morocco and the European Union have agreed to continue their cooperation as provided for in the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, which remains in force, in order to deepen the bilateral partnership on essential aspects, such as scientific campaigns, technical cooperation, the fight against illegal fishing, the economic integration of operators, safety measures at sea and the improvement of working conditions and protection of seafarers”.
Held in accordance with the Partnership Agreement in the field of sustainable fisheries between Morocco and the European Union, this meeting made it possible to make an overall assessment of the four years of implementation of the Fisheries Protocol of July 18, 2019, and which comes to an end on July 17, in accordance with its Article 16, underlines the same source.
On this occasion, Morocco and the EU welcomed their exemplary cooperation which has allowed, in all circumstances, the operations of artisanal and industrial vessels, transparent and rigorous governance of the Protocol, as well as continuous scientific monitoring of the state of the fishery resource.
The parties particularly welcomed the satisfactory implementation of the Fisheries Agreement and its Protocol in its various dimensions, in particular the excellent state of progress of projects for the development of the fisheries sector in Morocco, underlining the impact positive socio-economic impact on the sector, on artisanal fishing, sustainable aquaculture for the benefit of young entrepreneurs and fishermen’s cooperatives, as well as in terms of job creation, training and integration of women and young people especially in working life.
These projects, adds the joint press release, may continue beyond the expiry of the Protocol, as provided for therein.
Sustainability, a common goal
The two parties have also announced that they will continue scientific cooperation in “the common objective of sustainability” of the fisheries resource in the region.
“Morocco and the EU have taken note of the recommendations contained in the report drawn up by the joint scientific committee, which met last June. In this regard, they will pursue scientific cooperation with the common goal of resource sustainability in the region,” the joint statement noted.
The EU reiterates the importance of the partnership with Morocco
In this respect, the European Union reiterated the “highest regard” it attaches to its partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco in the area of fisheries, and the “essential interest” it attaches to its pursuit “in a spirit of trust, solidarity and mutual interest”.
Fisheries relations with Morocco “are part of a global and mutually beneficial partnership, which makes Morocco and the EU strategic partners for stability, development and prosperity in the region”, said also underlined the EU.
In addition, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, said Wednesday during a press briefing at the end of the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of the Atlantic African States Process , that the Kingdom will decide on the future of cooperation with the EU in the field of fisheries in the light of the government’s own assessments and in consultation with European partners.
Bourita also described the implementation of the Protocol as “satisfactory”, noting that cooperation has been “positive and mutually beneficial” during these four years.