Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
76. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update and history on diplomatic relations and engagement between Ireland and Morocco; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37157/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDiplomatic relations between Ireland and the Kingdom of Morocco were established in 1975. The Moroccan Embassy in Dublin was headed for some years by a Chargé d’Affaires, but since 2009 Morocco has been represented here at Ambassador level. The Irish Ambassador to Portugal is accredited to Morocco. Ireland also has two Honorary Consuls in Morocco; in Agadir and Casablanca respectively. Agreements with Morocco are mostly negotiated and agreed at EU level, and co-operation is advanced within the framework of the EU-Morocco Association Agreement. As regards bilateral agreements, the ‘Convention between Ireland and Morocco for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income’ entered into force on 10 September 2012. There have been several official bilateral visits between Ireland and Morocco. Recent visits include an Oireachtas delegation, led by Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Senator Paddy Burke, which visited Morocco from 4-8 November 2012. The delegation met the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Presidents of the House of Representatives and Senate, and the President of the Consultative Royal Council for Sahara Affairs. The Moroccan Minister for Industry, Trade and New Technologies, Mr. Abdelkadir Aamara, visited Ireland to participate in the Africa-Ireland Economic Forum in October 2012.
Earlier, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern made an official visit to Morocco in January 2001.
Ireland’s stance on the issue of Western Sahara is a point of difficulty with Morocco, but both Governments have shown their determination that this should not dictate the tenor of our relations. Ireland’s bilateral relations with Morocco are very good. Increasing numbers of Irish people visit Morocco, there are Moroccan citizens working here, trade is growing, and, more generally, Morocco is keen to develop cooperation and relations with the EU. I look forward to the further development of our friendly relations with Morocco.
