The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Socialist José Manuel Albares, has revealed to El Independiente that “unofficial contact” is being maintained with Moroccan authorities, focusing on what they have termed “joint management of the airspace” of Moroccan Sahara.
Currently, this airspace is controlled from the Canary Islands in accordance with international law and under the supervision of the International Civil Aviation Organization, a UN agency responsible for international civil aviation.
The transfer of airspace to Rabat has been a significant point of discussion and has led to a historic change in the Moroccan Sahara dispute since March 2022.
Government sources disclosed to El Independiente that negotiations with Rabat were solely focused on airspace management and coordination between both parties to enhance safety and coordination in air traffic management.
It is worth noting that a year and a half ago, Spain and Morocco pledged to initiate “conversations on airspace management.”
The potential transfer of Madrid’s control over Sahrawi airspace would address one of the demands of the Moroccoo. Despite previous attempts by Rabat to change the situation, the airspace has remained under the supervision and management of Canarian controllers for flights in the area, as established by the map of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Spain acknowledged last March that initial talks with Morocco on this matter were in progress, in accordance with point number 7 of the Joint Declaration signed in April 2022 during Prime Minister Sánchez’s visit to Rabat.
This visit followed the Moroccan Royal House’s public release of a letter from Prime Minister Sánchez to King Mohammed VI expressing support for the autonomy plan proposed by the monarchy in 2007..
As the electoral period in Spain continues, both countries are dworking to address this issue, which has significant implications for aviation operations and territorial sovereignty in the region.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.