Morocco's territorial integrity and national unity are not subject to negotiation or compromise, the minister stressed during a meeting between Morocco and the EU to launch discussions for the renewal of the fisheries protocol that expires on July 14.

"Just as Morocco is committed to its partnership with the EU, so it is clear regarding these red lines when it comes to its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," the minister underlined.

Bourita told the press after the meeting that the negotiations on the fisheries agreement are taking place in a very specific context marked in particular by "external attacks on this partnership and judicial maneuvers by certain parties to divert it from its course and objectives".

He added that the opening of negotiations reflects the full commitment of the European Union and its member States to preserving and strengthening the global Morocco-EU partnership.

After recalling that cooperation between Morocco and the EU in the fisheries sector is not new, the first agreement was concluded in 1988, Bourita expressed the wish to see the two parties conclude the negotiations as soon as possible, drawing on their 30 years of experience in this fundamental area of their partnership.

In this regard, the minister stressed that Morocco approaches these negotiations by a very clear reference frame, very precise positions and a well-defined vision, insisting on the fact that the Kingdom values both its partnership with the EU that is "strategic and fundamental", and "respect for its territorial integrity and national unity, which can in no way be the subject of negotiations or compromise, because they constitute one of the elements of the unanimity of the Moroccan people behind HM King Mohammed VI".

News and events on Western Sahara issue/ CORCAS