Assahafa.com
Austria said it is committed to “excellent relations” with Morocco, expressing support for the joint statement by the European Commission president and EU High Presentative regarding the European Justice Court’s (ECJ) hostile verdict against the Brussels-Rabat partnership agreements.
Austria’s Foreign Ministry said that the country will “carefully examine” the court’s decision, indicating that it reaffirms its excellent bilateral ties with Morocco.
“The consent of the people of Western Sahara to the implementation…is a condition for the validity of the decisions by which the (EU) Council approved those agreements on behalf of the European Union,” the court said in its verdict on Friday, suggesting that consultations regarding the agreements did not engage the “people of Western Sahara.”
In response, the European Union reiterated its strong commitment to maintaining its partnership with Morocco — emphasizing the long-standing and multifaceted nature of their cooperation.
“The EU reiterates the high value it attaches to its strategic Partnership with Morocco, which is long-standing, wide-ranging and deep,” the statement said, noting that the two parties established a deep cooperation and friendship that they both intend to take to the next level.
The EU Commission is now assessing the court’s ruling in detail, conveying that the European Union and Morocco firmly intend to preserve and continue boosting close relations in all areas of the Morocco-EU Partnership.
Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Ministry also responded to the hostile verdict, noting that the country does not consider the ECJ’s ruling as relevant or important for its agricultural or fisheries agreements with the EU.
“Morocco is not a party to this case, which involves the European Union on one side and the ‘polisario’ supported by Algeria on the other. Morocco did not participate in any phase of this procedure and, therefore, does not consider itself concerned by the decision,” the ministry stated.
The court’s ruling contains legal errors and suspicious mistakes, the ministry further argued, noting that this indicates a “complete misunderstanding of the realities of the case, if not a blatant political bias.”
Many countries expressed support for the EU-Morocco partnership, including France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Portugal. The countries have expressed a firm position, committing to preserving the strategic ties with Morocco.
Source: Morocco word news
