Sanchez: Position on the Sahara is an extension of previous Spanish governments' approach

Head of the Spanish government Pedro Sanchez denied that he had made any change to Spain’s position on the issue of the Western Sahara, considering that the position he announced in his letter to King Mohammed VI adopts the same “approach that Spain maintained throughout previous governments.”

Sanchez said, while the guest of a program on the “Telecinco” channel, that Spain’s position on the issue of the Sahara “is fully compatible with the United Nations and similar to the international allies; Such as Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United States.”

The Spanish Prime Minister spoke about the efforts made in the field of immigration and relations with Morocco, saying that “talking about immigration with Morocco should also mean putting yourself in their place and realizing that they also suffer from this challenge,” praising the immigration policy and strengthening the relationship with Morocco, describing the collaboration as  “a good experience, to be exported.”

“The areas from which irregular migrants come from towards Morocco are very unstable areas, as this does not mean that there are no opportunities; But where there are no freedoms, there is no democracy… Hence, many of these human beings, unfortunately, are looking for a better future. Not only in Europe; But also in African countries, and this is the case in Morocco.”

The Spanish official defended that the western Mediterranean route is “the only way that decreases” irregular migration numbers, praising the “extraordinary work” carried out by state security agencies, as well as the strengthening that the government deploys in terms of cooperation with Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal or Algeria.

The Head of the Spanish executive said he believes cooperating closely between different governments is what leads to a decrease in the numbers of irregular migration, although a zero net goal is “unfortunately difficult to achieve.”

“Relations between Spain and Morocco are considered by other European governments and by the European Commission as a strategic relationship and a good experience to export to many countries within the framework of their bilateral relations”, said Sanchez, who was the guest of a program on the “Telecinco” channel.

“Relations with Morocco are very important and fundamental, particularly in the fields of trade and the economy, since practically all Spanish investments on the African continent are concentrated in Morocco”, said the Spanish PM.

Cooperation ties with Morocco are also important in terms of “security, the fight against terrorism and illegal immigration”.

Sanchez expressed his solidarity with Morocco, which is “fighting against irregular migration” and has become a host country.