'Morocco is the most stable country in Africa'

Morocco is currently the most stable country in Africa and constitutes a model in the region, said European Parliament Speaker Jersy Buzek.

Speaking Monday at the technology transfer forum in southern Poland, Buzek, who was in office from 2009 to 2012, lauded the decision by the forum's organisers to make Morocco a guest of honour, underlining that the kingdom, "thanks to its bold economic and political reforms, opted for the rule of law and democracy".

Buzek, who is the first official from eastern Europe to sit as a speaker of the European body, highlighted the need to ensure Europe's energy independence through new technologies and renewable energy, Moroccan news agency MAP reported.

With its stable government, relative prosperity in comparison to its southern neighbours, and strong internal security and intelligence services, Morocco is identified as key partners for Britain and other Western countries in addressing the security challenges of the Western Sahel, said a report entitled "UK response to extremism and insecurity in north and west Africa".

"Morocco appears to have genuinely embarked on a path towards greater democratic openness, with the agreement of a new constitution in 2011, and significant political reforms," the report released in London said.