Morocco, Spain usher a new era in their relations
Spanish support for Morocco over the Sahara issue ushered a new era in their relations, based on mutual trust auguring well for enhanced bilateral cooperation at all levels.
The fog of tension dissipated between the two countries following a letter from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara as “the most serious, realistic and credible,” basis to end the regional conflict.
“Spain recognizes the importance of the Sahara issue for Morocco as well as the serious and credible efforts undertaken by the Kingdom within the UN framework in order to find a mutually acceptable solution. In this respect Spain considers Morocco’s autonomy initiative, presented in 2007, as the most serious, realistic and credible basis to settle this conflict,” said a joint statement released following the meeting between King Mohammed VI and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Rabat Thursday.
At a press briefing held after his talks with the Moroccan Sovereign, Mr.Pedro Sanchez said King Mohammed VI has played a “decisive and constructive” role in opening up a new chapter in the Moroccan-Spanish partnership.
“I would like to commend the decisive role played by King Mohammed VI in resolving the crisis between the two countries”, said Mr. Sanchez who thanked the Monarch for his constructive role which has opened a new phase of understanding and neighborliness between Spain and Morocco.
The Spanish Prime minister also underlined the interest shown by the King, during the past month, to reach an agreement with Madrid and set solid foundations for a new relationship between the two countries
And during the Spanish Prime Minister’s landmark visit to Rabat, the two countries took a number of moves to set back partnership on track.
They thus agreed to immediately resume maritime passenger traffic and restore normalcy for the traffic of goods and passengers on sea and land.
In this respect, Spanish ports will be included in operation Marhaba, an annual crossing campaign that takes place during the summer marking the return back home of Moroccans living in Europe, mainly using Spanish ports.
The two countries also said they will reactivate a working group on the delimitation of maritime zones off the Atlantic coast, “with the aim of reaching concrete progress.”
They will also launch talks on the management of air space and reinforce cooperation on migration following a “comprehensive and balanced approach.”
They will also reactivate cooperation at all levels of mutual interests including at the economic, trade, energy, industry and cultural levels.
A meeting to facilitate trade and connectivity will be held soon, the statement said, adding that a follow-up committee will be tasked with ensuring the implementation of these measures within 3 months.
