Albares: Spain must maintain 'the best relations' with Morocco

Spain must have ”the best relations” with Morocco, given the multidimensional interests shared by the two countries, said the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares.

“We must maintain the best relations with Morocco, a country with which we share many challenges,” stressed Albares, who was the guest, Wednesday evening, of a program on the Spanish television channel ”24 Horas”.

According to the diplomat, “relations with Morocco must be a state policy implemented for mutual benefit,” highlighting the depth of the ties uniting the two countries in all areas.

“More than 6,000 Spanish companies export products worth 12 billion euros to Morocco, 1,200 Spanish companies are established directly or through their subsidiaries in Morocco, cooperation in judicial and security matters allows to dismantle jihadist networks threatening both countries and fight against mafias active in human trafficking, a million Moroccans live among us and contribute to the economic and social development of our country,” said the head of the Spanish diplomacy.

The minister welcomed the positive results of the management of the migration issue between Rabat and Madrid, stating that in the first quarter of 2023, the arrivals of irregular migrants have dropped by 63% in the Canary Islands, while in Greece and Italy, they have increased by 95% and 300% respectively.

In this sense, Albares made a positive assessment of the new stage started between the two countries a year ago, noting that this new stage is based on ”more solid principles.”

The position of the Spanish government towards Morocco is very clear and unambiguous. This position is expressed in the Declaration of April 7, 2022 and in the Joint Declaration sanctioning the 12th High Level Meeting”, said the Minister.

This position is based on collaboration, mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, absence of unilateral acts and responsibility,” he concluded.

Based on the new roadmap, adopted on April 7, 2022 on the occasion of the visit of the President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, to Morocco, at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, the two countries are committed, among other things, to address issues of common interest in a “spirit of trust and consultation,” while reactivating the working groups established between the two countries to revive multi-sectorial bilateral cooperation.

In the Joint Declaration issued at the end of their 12th High-Level Meeting, held on 1 and 2 February in Rabat, Morocco and Spain expressed their commitment to perpetuate the excellent relations that have always linked them and reaffirmed their willingness to enrich them permanently.

On this occasion, the two parties signed several cooperation agreements in various fields, including migration management, tourism, infrastructure, water resources, environment, agriculture, vocational training, social security, transport, health security and research and development.