Foreign ministers of Morocco and the Canary Islands announced today that there has been “clear progress in the maritime border demarcation files and the renewal of the direct maritime line between Tarfaya and Las Palmas.”
They also raised the issue of handing over airspace management in the Sahara from Madrid to Rabat, with Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo affirming that the Spanish archipelago supports Madrid’s official position on the Sahara issue.
During a press conference with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Clavijo stated that “the Canary Islands want good relations and to build a new chapter with Rabat in an atmosphere of cooperation across various fields,” revealing that the Canary Islands support the Spanish position advocating for autonomy in the Sahara.
The Spanish official added that “regarding the recent ruling of the European Court of Justice, the Canary Islands respect European judicial decisions while supporting the will of European peoples to maintain a partnership with Morocco.”
He noted that their discussions focused on airspace management, maritime connections, and border demarcation.
Nasser Bourita mentioned that the maritime border demarcation file has moved from discussion to seeking solutions through joint working committees.
He emphasized that Sánchez’s visit and his meeting with the king serve as a reference for relations based on respect, avoiding unilateral decisions, and preventing unexpected actions between the two countries. He pointed out that the relationship, particularly with the Canary Islands, is fundamental to implementing these new principles.
Bourita asserted that today’s visit provides an opportunity for open and in-depth dialogue on all issues, adding that some matters are addressed within institutional frameworks with Madrid, impacting the Canary Islands, and progress should be made through partnership, such as in border demarcation and migration issues.
He urged against involving Morocco in Spain’s internal political discussions, stating that those who think that pressuring Morocco through such political mazes will yield positive results are mistaken.
He noted that the Canary Islands are relevant to the Atlantic initiative for the benefit of Sahel countries due to its impact and emphasized that both parties should seek a roadmap to encompass long-term important files, such as the World Cup.
Bourita highlighted that territorial cooperation is also important, as the Canary Islands could engage in collaboration with Morocco’s southern regions across various domains, and current relations between Madrid and Rabat are characterized by consensus and respect.
On another note, Bourita stressed that Morocco’s stance on the war in Palestine remains clear, believing that the region should not remain under the control of the two warring parties and that the conflict should not be internationalized, as is happening in Lebanon. He urged the United Nations to intervene immediately to stop this war and protect both the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples.
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