Morocco becomes first African country to join Galileo
Negotiations on Moroccan participation in the EU's satellite navigation programme - Galileo - were successfully concluded on 8 November with the initialling of an agreement by senior representatives from each party. The agreement covers industrial and scientific cooperation and the development of specific Galileo applications for Morocco and its region (the western Mediterranean and West Africa). After intensive exchanges since formal negotiations started on 21 April 2005, an agreement was reached laying the basis for Morocco's active participation in the programme and creating a framework for cooperation. It also represents a great opportunity for Galileo to become established in the western Mediterranean region. Responding to the outcome of the negotiations, Vice-President Jacques Barrot in charge of EU transport policy said: 'I welcome today's agreement. Morocco is the first African country to join the Galileo project.' Morocco is the fifth non-EU country to join the Galileo programme, after the conclusion of the agreements with China, Israel, Ukraine and India. Discussions are also under way with Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Norway, Chile, South Korea, Malaysia, Canada and Australia. The agreement will now be submitted to the EU Transport Council meeting in December 2005 for formal approval by Member States.
Countries
Morocco