Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita said that relations between Morocco and Spain are “at their best in decades” and have never reached this level since the meeting of King Mohammed VI with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in April 2022.
During a joint press conference with Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, who is on a visit to Morocco, Bourita stated that the roadmap announced back then pushed forward the bilateral ties.
Bourita added that these relations are based on mutual trust, which is tangibly reflected in the handling of issues such as terrorism and illegal migration, and on partnership through economic and strategic cooperation, in accordance with the win-win principle.
“Relations between the two countries have strong prospects within the framework of organizing the 2030 World Cup, and push us to develop them fully,” stated the FM.
Bourita noted that Morocco aims to finish what remains from the roadmap as soon as possible and then it would be open to new sectors.
Regarding the pending customs issue, he revealed that the two countries have achieved great progress in opening customs through the occupied Ceuta and Melilla crossings, and everything mentioned in the bilateral summit declaration will be implemented to the letter.
Regarding customs, the Spanish diplomat stated that “everything that was agreed upon would be implemented.”
Trade exchanges have reached 20 billion euros in 2022, said Albares, adding that Morocco is Spain’s third economic partner from outside the European Union.
“The Kingdom represents great interests for us, especially with regard to our investment, the benefits of which are not limited to Morocco, but also include Africa.”
Morocco and Spain endorsed the roadmap following a severe crisis that was sparked in 2021 when Spain hosted the head of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, under a false Algerian identity and without informing Rabat.
In April 2022, Morocco's King announced upon receiving Sanchez that the visit falls under the framework of a new stage of partnership.
During the meeting, the Moroccan King and the Spanish PM reiterated the will to open a new stage in the relations between the two countries, based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, permanent consultation, and frank and loyal cooperation.
Sanchez reaffirmed the position of Spain on the Sahara issue, considering the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the most serious, realistic, and credible basis for resolving the dispute.
Moreover, Albares had met with Morocco’s Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch.
They emphasized the friendly bilateral ties between their two countries, as well as the strategic partnership endorsed by King Mohammed VI and King Felipe VI.
