Evoking the 10th session of the Moroccan-Portuguese high-level meeting, held recently in Lisbon under the joint chairmanship of both countries' Prime Ministers, Abbas El Fassi and Jose Socrates, the Portuguese diplomat recalled that the meeting had focused on two strategic sectors, tourism and renewable energy, in addition to the traditional sectors of Moroccan-Portuguese partnership.

Rosa La added that aware of the need to raise economic relations to the level of the excellent political relations, Moroccan and Portuguese governments have decided to invite to the last meeting, businessmen and entrepreneurs of both countries to "listen and ask questions to the officials in different departments on the projects that may be of direct interest to them."

The Portuguese ambassador also recalled that Portugal is the third largest foreign investor in Morocco, with more than 130 Moroccan companies with Portuguese capitals, which generate between 30,000 and 40,000 jobs in various sectors.

Regarding Morocco’s aspiration to reach an advanced status with the EU, Mr. Rosa La said his country “has always affirmed its support for Morocco’s ambition to have a deeper relationship with Europe, while taking into account the strategic importance of strengthening the European Union’s ties with the countries of the southern Mediterranean at all levels.”

“The advanced status will be a recognition of the progress made by Morocco which, being among the most advanced partners of the EU, deserves this positive distinction,” he said.