News

On 7 October, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis finished the first official visit in the history of bilateral relations in the Kingdom of Morocco and started a visit in the Republic of Tunisia. In Rabat, Minister Valionis met with Moroccan Prime Minister Driss Jettou, Speakers of the Upper and Lower Houses of the Moroccan Parliament Mustapha Oukacha and Abdelouhad Radi, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Trade Mustapha Mechahouri, Minister of Industry, Trade and Telecommunications Rachid Alami Talbi and Minister of Tourism Adil Douiri. At the meetings, the officials discussed the development of bilateral relations after Lithuania’s accession into the European Union (EU), possibilities of economic and commercial cooperation, exchange of business delegations and the dialogue between the EU and Southern Mediterranean countries. The officials also expressed their opinions on the topical regional issues, the situation in Iraq and the Middle East. During the visit, agreements on the abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports and on political consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries were signed. These are the first agreements in the history of the Lithuanian-Moroccan bilateral relations, which are expected to enhance the formation of legal basis for bilateral cooperation as well as encourage the development of such cooperation. During the meetings, the conclusion of other agreements, such as on air services, investment incentive and protection, avoidance of double taxation was discussed. Among other things, the Moroccan officials expressed a great interest in the Lithuanian construction sector and underlined that Lithuanian businessmen and builders could work successfully in the country. Opinions on the possibilities to use the Klaipėda harbour were also exchanged. The Lithuanian and Moroccan officials agreed to start a mechanism of practical consultations till the end of the year, which would help to evaluate cooperation possibilities.