Rabat, Morocco (TMT)- Morocco made clear that they will hold the European Union to a multi-million euro fishing and agriculture trade agreement signed in 2012, warning on Monday that failure to abide by the agreement would result in a loss of relationship between the two.
The statement comes in the aftermath of a December ruling that stated trade accords are not applicable to the disputed Western Sahara region. It specifically calls on the EU to defend Morocco against attempts to block Moroccan products from accessing the European market.
“Acts aiming at blocking access of some Moroccan products to the European market should be sanctioned and treated firmly by our European partners,” Morocco’s Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry said in the statement.
The ministry argued that the December ruling “confirms the trade protocol” from 2012 and must be fully implemented. If the EU fails to do so, the Ministry said there would be serious repercussions.
“The absence of a serious commitment on the part of the EU will impose a decisive choice on Morocco, either to preserve a patiently maintained economic partnership, or to permanently get rid of it and focus on making new business relationships and channels,” the Ministry said.
The EU responded to the concerns and made clear its allegiance to the agreement on Tuesday, publishing a statement that said, amongst other things, “Morocco is a key partner for the EU and vice-versa.”
The statement was released by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini and Delegate Minister of foreign affairs Nasser Bourita following a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday.
The delegates also discussed Morocco and the EU’s long relationship during the meeting and noted the importance of preserving the relationship.
“The two parties voiced their readiness to resume work and broaden cooperation in all fields of shared interest,” the statement said.
