Maritime links between Morocco, Portugal, priority for upcoming bilateral summit

Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs said on May 28 that Lisbon and Rabat are working on holding a summit by the end of the year, to create a direct maritime link between the two countries.

While speaking to the press at the end of the inauguration of a complex of Islamic baths in the Algarve region, João Gomes Cravinho stated that both governments are “intending to organize a bilateral summit later this year, where a maritime link will be one of the most important issues.”

The head of Portuguese diplomacy added that “there are a number of factors to be taken into account” for this project to move forward, including the “creation of a maritime border” between Morocco and Portugal.”

This delimitation of maritime borders, he said, “must be worked out with the Department of Internal Administration” or “the connections,” which “are usually assured by private agents and must also be involved in the discussion,” reports the Portuguese website Observador.

Stressing the conviction of both governments that this project is of significant importance, João Gomes Cravinho announced that the city of Portimão (285 km from the port of Tangier, north of Morocco) had been suggested for the installation of this maritime link with the North African Kingdom.

However, the diplomat maintained that there are several other possibilities and possible locations, but that “private operators should also give their opinion.”

The official acknowledged that this project “is certainly a priority,” but stressed that “it is not unique,” since the relationship between the two countries “is rich and varied.”

The minister also said that Portugal and Morocco were working on an “agreement of employment and residence for Moroccans in Portugal,” that will “create the legal framework that will facilitate the Moroccans’ travels to Portugal” and vice versa.

As for the historical relationship between Rabat and Lisbon, João Gomes Cravinho said that Morocco is an “intrinsic part” of the “Portuguese identity,” just as Portugal is “an intrinsic part of the Moroccan identity,” stressing that “it is enough to look at the many traces of Portuguese presence along the Moroccan coast to realize it.”