"This initiative seems to fit perfectly into the broader movement of Morocco's return to the African family which we have noticed with great interest for several years, notably in many areas essential to EU-Africa relations, such as migration, environment, development and regional stability," said Peter Stano, EU spokesperson, in an interview with MAP.

"We are convinced that the Kingdom of Morocco will be able to play its full part in the collective efforts of the continent and its institutions with a view to combating the virus, and that it will be able to bring its experience and its own value added to it," said the spokesperson, noting that "the EU is ready to support such initiatives as part of its renewed global strategy towards the African continent".

Asked about the statement made last Monday in the European Parliament by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy on the need for the EU to support Africa in these difficult times, Stano stressed that Europe will invest more in this area.

It is first of all a matter of solidarity but it is also a question of security both for Europe and for Africa. The pandemic has no borders and cannot be overcome if it is not defeated everywhere, he said.

He recalled that the EU has just announced a package of measures worth more than 20 billion euros to support research, health systems and water networks in the EU partner countries and mitigate the socio-economic consequences of the pandemic.