Moroccan-Spanish ties, a diplomatic success story
Relations between Morocco and Spain have never been stronger, offering an example of a success story of cooperation between two neighbours working hand on hand including on controversial issues.
At a press conference in Rabat, both Moroccan and Spanish foreign ministers, Nasser Bourita and José Manuel Albares, expressed satisfaction at the promising prospects of bilateral ties set by King Mohammed VI and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez on a track of solid partnership, mutual respect and trust.
Albares reiterated his country’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, recalling the Pedro’s letter that described the initiative as the “sole solution” to the Sahara issue.
Both ministers welcomed the momentum in bilateral trade. Spain is Morocco’s largest trading partner while Morocco is the third largest trading partner for Spain outside the EU, right after the US and the UK. Bilateral trade totaled 20 billion euros last year and is set to break new records as businessmen from the two countries reap the benefits of improved diplomatic ties.
Bourita highlighted the importance of security cooperation between the two countries, notably in terms of countering illegal migration and fighting terrorism.
The two ministers stressed the need to work together to further tackle the root causes in the Sahel. In this respect, Albares lauded Morocco’s African foreign policy with its Atlantic dimension and voiced Spain’s readiness to contribute together with Morocco in fostering stability in the region.
On Gaza, the two ministers called for the implementation of a two-state solution that would guarantee the rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and Israel’s right to live in peace. This solution was described as a prerequisite for peace.
They both called for a permanent ceasefire and for access of Gazans to humanitarian aid.
On controversial issues, such as the demarcation of maritime borders. Both ministers said the working group in charge is regularly meeting to find a mutually acceptable solution.
