Austria Commends Morocco’s Key Role in Regional Security – Deputy Federal Minister –

Austrian Deputy Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Peter Launsky said, Tuesday in Rabat, that his country commends the key role played by Morocco for security in the region and in the fields of counter-terrorism and migration. “Austria recognizes the key role that Morocco plays for security in the region and commends the Kingdom’s commitment to stability in the Sahel and Libya, but also in areas such as the fight against terrorism and cooperation against cross-border migration,” Launsky said at a press conference following his talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita. “Illegal immigration is a major issue for Austria, which greatly appreciates Morocco’s support and cooperation in this area,” he added. He also noted that Austria welcomes the close and strategic partnership between Morocco and the European Union, the Kingdom being the first partner of the EU and the latter the first investor in Morocco. Launsky is part of his country’s delegation, led by Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, which is visiting Morocco. A very important visit that constitutes a qualitative leap in relations between Morocco and Austria. The Austrian official noted, moreover, that this visit and meetings at the level of both countries’ heads of government are part of the long-standing relations that bind Morocco and Austria. Launsky said, in this regard, that the large delegation accompanying the Federal Chancellor testifies to the great interest that Austria attaches to relations with the Kingdom, especially in the economic field. “At the bilateral level, we see a huge potential in our trade relations,” he added. Regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue, the Austrian Federal Deputy Minister said that his country considers the autonomy plan as a basis for a serious and credible solution to this artificial conflict.