In an interview with MAP, Mr. Pedraza said that the approval by the Andean Community, made up of Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, of the decision to grant this status to Morocco, "will contribute to the consolidation of relations between this regional grouping and the Kingdom of Morocco and the promotion of trade between the two parties as well as the strengthening of cooperation, particularly in the current circumstances where the world and our region need more integration and joint action".

He added that the general secretariat of the Andean Community, based in Lima (Peru), intends to set up a roadmap, in coordination with the Kingdom, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between the two parties, recalling that the bodies and the institutions of this South American grouping are called upon to promote the implementation of joint programs and measures with countries that have an observer status in accordance with the principles encouraging more dialogue and cooperation with the countries that have obtained this status.

He also highlighted the complementarity between the two parties in terms of trade, particularly in the food, manufacturing and textile industries, which can be further strengthened through the conclusion of a free trade agreement.

Mr. Pedraza stressed that the Andean Community will give priority to an active presence of Morocco in trade fairs, as well as in business meetings and e-commerce in the region, noting that access to African markets is of great importance for the Andean countries.

He added that the cooperation model that can be set up with Morocco within the framework of South-South cooperation will allow a better understanding of mutual interests as well as the access of the Kingdom to the Andean region, while enabling the countries of the regional bloc to have access to the African market.

The decision to grant Morocco, as the first Arab and African country, an observer member status, will help stimulate and increase the volume of trade between this country and the regional grouping, he pointed out.

Mr. Pedraza praised the measures taken by Morocco to fight against the coronavirus pandemic and its repercussions, as well as the medical aid granted, following the high instructions of HM the King, to several African countries to support their efforts to fight against the pandemic.