Spanish president says meeting with King Mohammed VI will result “in very positive things”

Spanish President Pedro Sanchez said that the meeting he had with King Mohammed VI today “will result in very positive things” and that “news will come out in the next few days” detailing the meeting.

This came during a short, informal conversation that the Spanish Prime Minister had with journalists before his meeting with King Mohammed VI, as he stressed that this Thursday’s meeting is “important” and “will achieve very positive things.”

Sanchez said that the appeasement of diplomatic relations between both countries had to happen “for various reasons, not just immigration,” adding that good relations between both countries were a matter of “public interest.”

Pedro Sanchez landed in Rabat this Thursday, following King Mohammed VI’s invitation on March 31. He was accompanied by Spanish Foreign Minister, Jose Albares.

Following nearly a year of tense relations, Sanchez appeased the diplomatic spat through his formal support to Morocco’s autonomy plan proposal for Western Sahara. Although the decision remains contested with the Spanish legislative branch, Sanchez is confident that the parliament’s veto vote will not be an issue, telling journalists tonight that “what is really important for Morocco is what the president says.”

Spanish press reported some of what happened between the Spanish official and King Mohammed VI, revealing that as soon as the conversation began, Pedro Sanchez conveyed to Mohammed VI the greeting of King Philip VI and his wishes for peace and happiness.

While King Mohammed VI thanked this gesture, commenting that they had not seen each other for a long time, Sanchez replied that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected travel.

Sanchez considered it “an honor to spend the night in Rabat,” adding that he visited Morocco on many occasions before becoming prime minister.

During his meeting with the King, Sanchez reiterated Spain’s position on the Western Sahara issue, considering the Moroccan initiative for autonomy as “the most serious, realistic and credible basis for settling the dispute.”

The King and the Spanish Prime Minister reiterated the will to open a new phase in the relations between the two countries, based on mutual respect and trust, permanent consultation and sincere cooperation.