Morocco's stability, responsible leadership reinforce its clout on international scene, OBG

    These qualities have also enabled the country to strengthen its international ties, particularly with the most influential allies on the international stage, the group said, citing, in this regard, the free trade and association agreements concluded with the United States and the European Union.

    The agreement with the EU is particularly important all the more so as two members of the union, France and Spain, receive about 40% of Morocco’s exports, OBG added, noting Rabat’s moderating role, especially in the Arab-Israeli conflict, which has won it recognition in Washington as a major Non-NATO ally.

    The group insisted that this status enables the country to benefit from a myriad of decisive advantages, including eligibility to cooperation programs such as joint research in the area of defence, access to military technology and a preferential treatment with regard to public markets.

    It underlined that this recognition also means that Rabat, which faces security challenges, can benefit from counter terrorism programs.

    The report also pointed out that the Moroccan government is celebrated for wise management of aid funds received from European and American partners. In this respect, it noted the long-term $280 million financing granted by the European Investment Bank to reinforce the country's motorway network.

    This sum, in addition to the funds granted by Arab partners, will allow the country to complete the construction of the motorway linking Rabat and Casablanca to the eastern city of Oujda, the report said.

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