Morocco, privileged partner in Italy's relations in Mediterranean, Italian Deputy FM

Rome - Morocco is a privileged partner in Italy's Mediterranean relations, said on Friday Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lapo Pistelli, whose country prepares to hold, starting July, the Presidency of the European Union. "The last exchange of messages between HM King Mohammed VI and Council President Matteo Renzi after his inauguration reflects the excellent relations between the two countries," said Pistelli in an interview with MAP, noting the presence in Italy of a large Moroccan community, and the increase in recent years in the exchange of trade and visits between the businessmen of the two countries. "Morocco, whose reform process is commendable, is seen by Italy as a benchmark of stability in the region of the Mediterranean," he said, adding that his country continues to "strengthen and build a partnership with Morocco." He said that "the Sovereign has launched intelligent and farsighted reforms, unlike other countries which did not seem to have a similar happy ending."