Ministers of Middle East and North African countries and G-8 nations started a forum in Rabat on December 11 to discuss a regional reform plan put forward by the United States early this year.

The one-day meeting, co-chaired by Morocco and the United States, will focus on carrying out political and economic reforms in the broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) region.

It will also address a number of proposals and initiatives for constructive partnership.

"The participants are addressing the challenges and opportunities of building a future full of hope," US Secretary of State Colin Powell said at the beginning of the forum.

Foreign and finance ministers from 18 Arab countries and four non-Arab countries in the region and the G-8 industrial nations, delegates of civil and business groups as well as international organizations attended the forum.

Participants are expected to discuss some programs at the forum, including credit program to assist small and medium enterprises in the region, as well as young businessmen training project.

The forum is seen as one of the concrete steps toward implementing the declaration titled "Partnership for Progress and a Common Future with the Region of the Broader Middle East and North Africa" adopted at the G-8 summit at the Sea Island, Georgia of the United States on June 9.

Since the US plan was first floated in February, many Arabs have been angered by the US meddling in their affairs.

Morocco agreed to host the forum in November, and a preparatory sub-ministerial meeting was held here on Friday.

Source: Xinhua