New Roadmap to give momentum to Rabat-Madrid strategic partnership

After having resolved their diplomatic row over the Sahara, Morocco and Spain unveiled on Thursday a roadmap to give a new impetus to their cooperation in various sectors on the basis of mutual respect, trust and permanent consultation.

Details of the new roadmap were released in the Joint Declaration issued following the meeting held Thursday in Rabat between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime minister Pedro Sanchez.

In the document, Spain reiterates its firm support to Morocco’s serious and credible efforts made within the framework of the UN to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Sahara issue.

The two countries pledge to consult each other in dealing with issues of common interest within a spirit of trust and avoid unilateral acts. They agreed to resume immediately ferry services operating between the two countries as well as the smooth movement of goods and people.

The annual summer transit operation of Moroccan expatriates (Marhaba operation) will also resume, while the working group on the delimitation of maritime boundaries will be reactivated.

The two countries also pledged to re-launch and strengthen further cooperation ties in various sectors including migration, trade, energy, industry, education, vocational training, culture, sports…

An ad-hoc committee will be set up to ensure the implementation of this roadmap seeking to steer the two neighboring countries towards shared prosperity, security, progress and stability.