Press Release: Joe Borg visits Morocco

Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, arrives in Morocco on 20 April 2007 for a three-day visit, during which he will meet with Prime Minister Jettou, Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries Mohand Laenser and other political leaders, fisheries managers and stakeholders, and tour a number of maritime and fisheries facilities. This is the first time that Mr Borg has visited Morocco since taking up his post as Fisheries Commissioner.

A new 4-year Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the European Union and Morocco came into force in March 2007 (MEX/07/0306 and MEMO/07/93). Commissioner Borg will discuss with his Moroccan partners how closer cooperation between the EU and Morocco can help strengthen sustainable fisheries, not only under the FPA but also in regional fisheries organisations and other international fora. Mr Borg will also inform and update them of the move towards a maritime policy for the EU and of the state of the consultation process on this policy in which he will invite Morocco to take part.