Manila-Morocco direct flights inked

The direct flights are seen to boost trade and tourism within the two countries.

THE Philippines and the Kingdom of Morocco have inked an air services agreement (ASA) which will cover direct flights daily to and from each other’s territories.

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) said in a statement over the weekend that the initiative was in line with its efforts to boost tourism figures, people-and-people exchanges, economic, and social relations between the two countries.

This is the Philippines’ seventh ASA in the African region.

Pending the ratification of the ASA, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding granting full third and fourth freedom traffic rights for both passenger and cargo, and setting out other operational details for their respective designated carriers.

The Philippine delegation was headed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Igor Bailen, who said that the Philippines will set up its own embassy in Morocco.

Other members of the delegation were DoTr Undersecretary Manuel Antonio Tamayo, Tourism Undersecretary Edwin Enrile, Civil Aeronautics Board Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla, and Trade Director Joan Karen Riola.

The Moroccan delegation was headed by Director of Air Transport Tarik Talibi, together with Deputy Director of Air Transport Mohamed Hamidi, Otman Ait Madani, Nora Oustani, Wahiba Amara, Maria Ed-Dahri, Hicham Ouzine, Younes El Bouzidi and Rihab Bencheckroun.