Morocco and Spain continue to strengthen security cooperation on controlling migrant flows and counter-terrorism efforts following two visits to Rabat by Spain’s both foreign and interior ministers.
Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell positively reviewed ties and the strategic partnership existing between Morocco and Spain, saying they not only share a history but also interests.
In a statement to the press after talks with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Rabat on Friday, Borell stressed the clear match between the two sides, reiterating a firm commitment to deepen and diversify the bilateral partnership.
The two countries “are not only friends and neighbors, but they are also strategic partners determined to strengthen further their bilateral relations, based on respect, dialogue and mutual trust”, said Borrell after Bourita.
Borell said relations between Morocco and Spain were a model for cooperation in very delicate areas, such as the influx of immigrants and the fight against terrorism.
He recalled the advanced status Morocco has within the European Union, called in this regard for strengthening further relations between Morocco and the EU, saying that Spain will spare no efforts to defend the interests of its neighbor (Morocco) and its major trade partner outside the EU.
In this context, Borell called for Spain to play a role in such a way that Europe pays Morocco in-depth attention to resolve all existing problems such as agriculture, air transport and electric power supply, as soon as possible.
For his part, Bourita said that Morocco and Spain have strong relations and that their bilateral partnership is of great strategic value for the Kingdom of Morocco, pointing out that Spain is Morocco's first trade partner for the fifth year in a row and the second largest source of tourists.
Bourita and Borell discussed the important and pivotal role played by Spain for EU-Moroccan relations and ways in which Madrid can contribute constructively and decisively to the restoration of partnership between Morocco and the European Union.
