Spanish Interior Minister: Relations with Morocco are of ‘absolute importance’

Relations between Spain and Morocco are “absolutely important and strategic,” said Tuesday, the Spanish Minister of Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska.

“Relations with Morocco are absolutely important, relevant and strategic,” said Grande-Marlaska, who was guest to a program of Spain’s Antena 3 channel.

“We are unfailingly fraternal neighbors. We have preserved, we preserve and we will continue to preserve our relations for the good of our societies,” noted the Spanish minister.

He welcomed the momentum between the two countries on the basis of the new roadmap established since the visit of the President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez, to Morocco last April.

“We have begun a new relationship of the 21st century; a transparent relationship that is important and necessary for both countries,” he insisted.

“Bilateral relations in immigration, security and other areas are deep and necessary,” Grande-Marlaska said.

After they resolved their diplomatic row over the Sahara, Morocco and Spain unveiled early April a roadmap meant 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 in Rabat between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime minister Pedro Sanchez.

Part of the decisions made, the two countries agreed to reopen borders for passengers and goods between Morocco and the enclaves of Ceuta and Melillia, a decision that was enacted this may 17.