EU vows 'zero tolerance' for graft in Morocco

The European Union's top diplomat vowed "zero tolerance" for graft as he visited Morocco, which has been linked to an influence-trafficking scandal rocking the European Parliament.

"The position of the EU is clear: There can be no impunity for corruption. Zero tolerance," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said after a meeting with Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

"We need to wait for the result of the investigations currently underway," Borrell added, saying he expected "everybody's full cooperation" with the inquiry.

Borrell's visit comes weeks after Belgian police raided several addresses used by European lawmakers and other officials, finding $1.6 million in cash, discoveries Belgian media have linked to Qatar and Morocco.

Four suspects are in custody, including a Greek MEP, Eva Kaili.

Her Italian boyfriend, parliamentary aide Francesco Giorgi, has reportedly confessed to Belgian prosecutors and alleged Moroccan involvement.

Speaking alongside Borrell in the capital Rabat, Bourita vowed that "Morocco will defend its interests and count on its partners to defend the partnership" with the EU.

Borrell's spokesman had earlier defended the two-day visit, saying there was "no proof" of Moroccan wrongdoing and that "no one has officially said from the judicial point of view that Morocco as a country is guilty."

The North African kingdom has major fisheries and farming deals with the EU, including rich Atlantic fishing waters off the disputed Western Sahara.