Rabat/Geneva (ICRC) – The Moroccan government and the International Committee of the Red Cross/ Red Crescent (ICRC) signed an agreement today that formalizes the relations the ICRC has had with Morocco since the country gained independence. The agreement was signed by the minister delegate to the minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mbarka Bouaida, and the president of the ICRC, Peter Maurer. “We are delighted to have reached this agreement, which puts our relations with the Kingdom of Morocco on an official footing,” said Mr Maurer. “It paves the way for further cooperation and dialogue with the authorities.” “We’ve had very productive exchanges with senior Moroccan authorities and we’re hopeful that this agreement will form a basis for joint activities that will benefit people,” he added. The ICRC is an impartial, neutral and independent organization, whose mission is exclusively humanitarian. Since its founding in 1863 it has brought forth the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The ICRC is currently working in over 80 countries around the world. The headquarters agreement ensures that the ICRC enjoys the privileges and immunities necessary to carry out its activities in line with its mandate and customary working procedures.