Morocco, Spain Set to Build on ‘Exemplary Security’ Cooperation

Morocco and Spain enjoy closer security cooperation that stands as an example in the region offering prospects for a further consolidation of joint action in fields such as counterterrorism and fight against illegal migration, Spanish Interior Minister said in Rabat.

“Joint action on a daily basis by Moroccan and Spanish security services is exemplary and has yielded positive and tangible results,” said the Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska after talks with Moroccan peer Abdelouafi Laftit.

The Spanish official expressed satisfaction at the positive outcome of bilateral cooperation, which, he said, should continue on track of “mutual trust.”

“Cooperation with Morocco on interior issues is a priority for Spain,” he insisted, recalling that thanks to Morocco’s contribution, Spain saw the number of illegal migrants arriving on its shores dropping by 53.4% in 2019 compared with a year earlier.

He said Spain will spare no effort to defend Morocco’s interest within the EU as “strategic partner on migration and many other issues.”

On the fight against terrorism, Grande-Marlaska voiced satisfaction at a “fruitful cooperation” which has lasted since 2014.

In the same vein, cooperation to crackdown on trafficking networks is on track, he said.

In Madrid, King Felipe VI of Spain emphasized on Wednesday the importance of the bonds uniting Rabat and Madrid.

In an address before foreign ambassadors accredited to Madrid, King Felipe VI underlined the excellent friendship exiting between Morocco and Spain, and highlighted the enormous potential of their cooperation.

He also recalled his latest official visit to Morocco in 2019, saying that this trip was a token of the traditional friendship that connects the two countries.