Jordan, Morocco discuss joining the GCC

The Jordanian Foreign Minister, Nasser Al-Qualty met his Moroccan counterpart, Taieb Fassi Fahri, on Wednesday to discuss the countries’ bilateral relations. The two foreign ministers also discussed Jordan and Morocco’s accession to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The ministers addressed the extensive political, economic and social reforms that have been undertaken in each of their countries in recent months. They agreed to increase cooperation, particularly in light of their close relations with the EU and their partnership through the Agadir agreement, which is a free trade treaty which was brokered between Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. Al-Qualty, emphasised the closeness of Jordanian-Moroccan ties in a press conference after the meeting. He said that the close relationship between Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Morocco’s King Mohammad VI is closely reflected in the relationship between the two nations and between two governments. "Jordan and Morocco have fostered a close political relationship through our work with the European Union, as well as a business relationship as defined by the Agadir Agreement. We are also working towards joining the GCC.” He added that a working group was still to be established to work out the technicalities of joining the GCC; a decision which had been made at the GCC summit in May. Al-Qualty reiterated Jordan’s support for the Palestinian People and the Palestinian Authority in its efforts to gain formal recognition of the Palestinian state at the UN. The Moroccan Foreign Minister also spoke fondly of the Moroccan-Jordanian relationship. “The Kingdom of Morocco has closely watched the reform and development process that King Abdullah II has undertaken. We declare our solidarity and absolute support for our Jordanian brothers in the process of development.” “Morocco and Jordan have similar international obligations, particularly in regard to Jerusalem, where we must ensure that the holy sites are taken care of.” “King Mohammed VI chairs the Al-Quds Committee.” “Morocco and Jordan have the same ideas about various regional and international issues."