Sarkozy in Morocco to Discuss Issue of Combating Immigration and Terrorism Marrakesh ( Morocco ) 2 / 11 ( AFP ) -- Today , Saturday , Moroccan Minister of the Interior Mustapha Sahel held discussions in Marrakesh with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy on " combating illegal immigration and terrorism " according to an official Moroccan source . In a joint statement after the meeting published by the Moroccan News Agency , they said that " The discussions were concerned with adequate ways to enhance cooperation between the two ministries , particularly in the area of combating all forms of crime involving the crossing of the border which constitutes common challenges for both sides . " It added that " both ministers praised the tangible and distinguished results in this area , as well as the important phases already accomplished in the domains of combating clandestine immigration and drug trafficking . " It explained that the interior ministers of both countries " had decided to use a program of cooperation in accordance with a new perspective in the field of technical and scientific policing . " It noted that " A delegation from the Moroccan police force will visit France next month to put the final touches on the agreement for a framework of cooperation in this field . " The agency explained that during this meeting Sarkozy offered " clarifications about the immigration bill , particularly with regard to the criteria guiding family reunification and immigration for the purpose of studying in France . " In addition , the statement explained that the two ministers " will send a joint message to their counterparts in the Conference of Ministers of the Interior of Western Mediterranean Countries to invite them to attend the next annual meeting which will be held in May 2006 in Nice , France . " The Conference of Western Mediterranean Countries includes Spain , Italy , France , Portugal , Malta , Algeria , Libya , Morocco , Tunisia , and Mauritania . It also noted that both ministers " will suggest to their Spanish counterpart Jose Antonio Alonso to hold a tripartite meeting in the near future regarding combating drug trafficking . " The statement noted that " The discussions took place in an atmosphere of trust , mutual friendship reflecting the strong ties between the two countries in general and between both ministries of the interior in particular . " The Moroccan News Agency quoted Sarkozy 's description of his talks in Marrakesh as " important , " noting that cooperation between the two ministries of the interior was " very solid . " The French minister arrived in Marrakesh on Friday evening for a two - day visit whose purpose was not disclosed . Sarkozy 's visit to Morocco comes four days after the visit to Morocco of FBI Chief Robert S . Mueller , and the handing over of three Moroccan prisoners from the Guantanamo detention camp to Morocco by the United States .