Rumsfeld to visit Morocco

[sbs]

RABAT (AFP) - US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is to visit Morocco to discuss strengthening military cooperation between the two allies, sources said in Rabat.

Accompanied by military officials, he will have talks in the southern city of Marrakesh, on Sunday, with King Mohammed VI which will also cover regional issues, Iraq and the fight against terrorism.

US and NATO troops regularly involve Morocco in military exercises in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and north Africa.

Rumsfeld's visit follows that of US Federal Bureau of Investigation chief Robert Mueller on Tuesday, and the handover to Rabat Wednesday of three Moroccans held at the US Guantanamo Bay prison.

[razrif]

Hope he's packed his jumper