JEDDAH, 31 August 2003 — Saudi Arabia and Morocco yesterday called for joint international efforts to fight terrorism and root out its causes. They also renewed their commitment to international legitimacy and emphasized the need to adopt peaceful means to settle crises.
A joint declaration issued at the end of the Saudi-Moroccan Joint Commission in Rabat, said the two countries, both victims of recent terror attacks, condemned all forms of terrorism, but objected strongly to moves linking Islam with terrorism.
“We must highlight the true picture of Islam, which is a religion of peace and tolerance and calls for peaceful coexistence of cultures,” the joint statement said.
The Kingdom also backed Morocco’s candidacy to host the World Cup in 2010. Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, declared the Kingdom’s support for Morocco during a meeting with Saad Al-Kattani, chairman of the Moroccan Football Association in Casablanca.
Al-Kattani briefed the crown prince on Morocco’s efforts and preparations to host the international soccer event, including the construction of state-of-the-art stadiums, roads and other infrastructure. Prince Abdullah expressed his satisfaction at the northwest African country’s readiness to host the international event.
The Saudi-Moroccan Joint Commission meetings, co-chaired by Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and his Moroccan counterpart, Muhammad ibn Eissa, decided to strengthen cooperation in economic, commercial, tourism, shipping, investment and other sectors.
Addressing the commission’s opening session on Friday, Prince Saud urged all Arab countries to extend their full support for the Palestinians at this difficult time.
“We should stand in one rank without leaving any gap for Israel to exploit,” he said.
Prince Saud said Saudi Arabia was determined to extend its continuous support to the Iraqi people. “We will make all-out efforts to help Iraq achieve stability and prosperity under a legitimate Iraqi government,” he added.
Later, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News, Prince Saud called upon Arab countries to play an effective role in Iraq, instead of being mere spectators.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Muhammad ibn Eissa said his talks with Prince Saud covered the situation in Iraq and Palestine as well as ways of boosting economic and security cooperation.
“There is complete understanding between the two countries on all issues,” he added.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Saudi and Moroccan private sectors explored opportunities in the investment sector as well as ways of boosting trade exchange between the two countries.
At the end of their meeting, an announcement was made about the establishment of a Saudi-Moroccan Investment Office. The Rabat-based office will be opened by the end of this year. At the same time, it was agreed to organize an exhibition of Saudi-Moroccan products in Casablanca next December.
The Saudi and Moroccan foreign ministers and their accompanying delegations were also briefed on real estate and tourism projects due for implementation in Al-Jadeeda in the west of Morocco.
Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said Saudi businessmen were always ready to enter into joint ventures in all fields with their Moroccan counterparts.
“We look forward to increasing trade exchanges between the two sides,” he said in statement in Rabat.
