The Moroccan ambassador discussed with the Palestinian Minister of Agriculture ways to strengthen cooperation in the field of agriculture

Marruecos y Palestina buscan promover su compromiso agrícola

photo_camera AFP/FADEL SENNA - A worker holds a basket full of saffron flowers harvested in a field in the Taliouine region of south-western Morocco

Relations between Morocco and Palestine are known to be good and have been improving as they have come closer together in areas other than agriculture. In attempts to achieve peace, Rabat has played an important role in negotiations so that the Allenby crossing, which links the West Bank with Jordan, could be reopened. US officials have stressed that Morocco's commitment to the Palestinian cause has made it possible to "open the light" for negotiations. Palestine has also praised Morocco's role in supporting its people. 

Palestinian Social Development Minister Ahmed Majdalani said Morocco's support for Palestine "has greatly helped the Palestinians to continue the resistance" and said that many people "appreciate the great support provided by Morocco to the State of Palestine in various sectors", such as the financial assistance provided by the Al-Quds Committee that helps preserve "the defence of Jerusalem and its identity".

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On Wednesday in the Palestinian city of Ramallah, Moroccan Ambassador to Palestine Abderrahim Meziane and Palestinian Agriculture Minister Riad Attari discussed how to improve the agricultural sector of the two states and enhance their cooperation. On this occasion, the Moroccan diplomat highlighted the distinguished relationship between the Palestinian and Moroccan peoples under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, and President Mahmoud Abbas. The meeting underlined the perspectives of the two governments, not only on agricultural matters, but also on political, economic and social issues. In addition, it was stressed that the potential for mutual support in the agricultural sector is enormous and generates many expectations, both in the short and long term. 

Meziane concluded by adding that it is likely that the development of cooperative relations in terms of experiences and techniques for marketing and promotion of agricultural products between the two powers will be incorporated. He stressed the importance of this agreement in strengthening bilateral relations between Morocco and Palestine by opening new business opportunities for both Palestinian and Moroccan businessmen.  The minister also assured that the Moroccan Embassy is facilitating and putting all its means at the service of the development of cooperation between the two countries. All these actions together encourage both investors and businessmen to take part in new projects that maintain links with both countries, thanks to the facilities generated.

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He also thanked the invitation sent by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forestry to the Minister of Agriculture of Palestine to visit Morocco and participate in the 11th edition of the International Exhibition of Dates scheduled from 26 to 30 October. Diplomats from both countries see this as an opportunity to hold fruitful meetings and learn about the situation of the agricultural sector in Morocco and explore areas of joint cooperation through the forthcoming meetings of the Palestinian delegation with their counterparts from the Kingdom. 

Agricultural land degradation is a major challenge in Morocco, depriving the Kingdom's economy of around $134 million per year according to World Bank estimates. This is why partnerships such as this one facilitate the success of Morocco's agricultural transition, which is based on a limited number of pillars. This involves mobilising stakeholders to structure the agricultural sector, experimenting and strengthening innovation partnerships with universities and research centres. 

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