site.btaBulgaria, Morocco Cooperate Actively in Security

113 POLITICS - MOROCCO - PRIME MINISTERS - NEWS CONFERENCE

Bulgaria, Morocco
Cooperate Actively in
Security


Rabat, November 30 (BTA special correspondent Antoan Nikolov) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told a news conference in the Council of Ministers building that Bulgaria and Morocco have been cooperating actively in the last few months in the field of security, especially regarding terrorism and migration.

Borissov arrived on a two-day official visit to Morocco on Thursday.

Borissov said trade between Bulgaria and Morocco has increased by some 30 per cent, mostly due to construction, pharmaceuticals, foods and fertilizers.

The Bulgarian government leader noted that the bulletproof vests of the Moroccan police and army were manufactured in Bulgaria. He invited Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani to visit Bulgaria early next year when he will be detailed on cooperation opportunities in the military industry and other fields.

Referring to an Administrative Agreement to the bilateral Social Security Agreement, Borissov said: "I hope that with the social agreements we signed today we will boost business relations in the coming months."

Borissov said Morocco is "a gateway to Africa and holds an exceptionally firm ground", noting that King Mohammed VI has put in a huge effort to achieve this. He added that Bulgaria is in a similar position in the Balkans and Europe.

Othmani said he was happy to receive the Bulgarian Prime Minister and his delegation, as this will help develop bilateral relations. He noted that during the visit, the sides found that they share a political will for this development and hold similar positions on a number of regional and international issues.

The Moroccan Prime Minister said there is already a roadmap for expanding political, economic, social and cultural relations. He thanked Borissov for including business representatives in his delegation, who participated in a business forum in Casablanca and established direct contacts.

Othmani welcomed the decision to set up a Bulgarian-Moroccan joint committee which will work on business projects not only in the two countries, but across Africa as well. LI/TH
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