STRASBOURG, FRANCE — The European Commission said it commended a Parliament vote during a plenary session on Feb. 16 in favor of an agreement with Morocco on the liberalization of trade in agricultural products, fish and fishery products.

“It is a balanced agreement which opens new opportunities for our producers in Europe. It paves the way for a real reinforcement of our relations with Morocco, including with the opening of negotiations for a future bilateral agreement of geographical indications which we are now ready to discuss," said Dacian Ciolo?, commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.

The agreement will support increased trade and create job opportunities, said Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle.

Commissioner Füle discussed the agricultural agreement with Moroccan partners during his Jan. 19 visit to Rabat where he also encouraged the new government in its reform efforts.

Morocco is an important partner for the E.U. Advanced Status for Morocco was concluded in 2008 and the entry into force of the Agricultural agreement will give substance to this Advanced Status. It will create investment opportunities for E.U. companies and help to provide jobs in Morocco, therefore reducing the temptation to find better living opportunities abroad, the European Commission said.