(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BRUSSELS, Feb 27 (KUNA) -- The EU and Morocco confirmed Tuesday their commitment to their strategic partnership and their determination to preserve and strengthen it.

EU High Representative Mogherini and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco Nasser Bourita in a joint statement said they agreed to continue to strengthen their political dialogue and preserve the stability of their trade relations.

The statement was released after the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg ruled earlier today that the Fisheries Agreement concluded between the EU and Morocco "is valid in so far as it is not applicable to Western Sahara and to its adjacent waters." The EU-Morocco statement said it took note of the judgment made today by the EU court.

Both parties remain committed to preserving their cooperation in the fisheries sector. In this respect, they express their willingness to negotiate the necessary instruments relating to the fisheries partnership, said the statement.

The current EU-Morocco fisheries deal, which will expire next July, authorises European vessels to fish off the coast of Morocco in exchange for financial compensation of 40 million euro (USD 48 million) yearly. (end) nk.mb

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