The fifth round was held in Rabat, Morocco and resulted in the formulation of guidelines for close cooperation in the economic spheres, among the nations of the Middle East. A permanent oversight committee was to be established under the auspices of the European Union to coordinate various projects already in progress. Plans were set afoot for the November 1994 businessmen's conference to be held in Marrakech under the patronage of King Hassan II of Morocco. Text of the summary follows:
The fifth round of multilateral talks on regional economic development in the Middle East ended last Thursday (16.6.94), in Rabat. The summing-up communique welcomed the Cairo Agreement and called for continued momentum 'on both the bilateral and multilateral tracks. It also welcomed Syria's and Lebanon's interest in the working group's proceedings.
This round formulated, for the first time, the guidelines for close cooperation between the countries of the region in the economic sphere, with the intention that these economies be open to each other. Among other things, the document formulated by the participants calls for the removal of obstacles preventing a more prominent role for the private sector, and establishes that the free movement of people, goods, services, capital and information within the region should be encouraged.
The working group decided to set up a permanent oversight committee, with representatives from Israel, the PLO, Egypt and Jordan, under the auspices of the European Union. This committee, which has already held its first meeting, will coordinate the work being done in the various projects, between meetings of the full economic development committee.
The working group adopted an updated version of projects and decided to promote them on the basis of activity in various economic sectors. Group leaders reported on progress in the projects in their various spheres, and presented the next stages to be undertaken in each of them. Among others, regional programs are to be undertaken in the spheres of civil aviation, tourism, integrating electric grids, veterinary services and public health.
In addition, it was announced that a conference of businessmen would take place in Marrakesh in early November 1994, to discuss cooperation between government ,and the private sector in promoting regional economic development. The conference was organized at the initiative of Foreign Minister Peres and will be held under the patronage of King Hassan II of Morocco. U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher is to be among the participants.