The “strategic” relationships between Rabat and Madrid are a “good experience” that can be exported to other nations, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized while reiterating the great state of relations between his nation and Morocco on Tuesday.

Sanchez, who was a guest on a program on the “Telecinco” channel, stated that other European governments and the European Commission view Spain and Morocco’s relations as a strategic relationship and a positive experience to export to many other countries within the framework of their bilateral relations.

Since virtually all of Spain’s investments on the African continent are centered in Morocco, the Spanish PM stated that relations with Morocco are crucial and necessary, particularly in the areas of trade and the economy.

“Security, the fight against terrorism, and the fight against illegal immigration” are three areas where cooperation with Morocco is significant.

Sanchez emphasized his support for Morocco, which has acted as a host nation and is “fighting against irregular migration.”

The senior Spanish official emphasized that, “often, when we think of immigration, we are unaware that Morocco also experiences this irregular migration, which originates from a very unstable region like the Sahel, and that many young people from these countries are looking for a better future not only in Europe but also in African countries like Morocco.”

“Talking about immigration with Morocco should also mean putting ourselves in its shoes and being aware that the Kingdom is also taking up this challenge,” he said in a statement.

Read Also: Spain’s Pedro Sanchez Described Relations with Morocco as Strategic

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Madrid – Isabel Castro Fernández, Spain’s State Secretary for Migration, referred to Morocco’s management of migration issues as a “model of North-South cooperation,” both in the context of combating human trafficking networks and cyclical migration.

“The Spain-Morocco permanent group on migration […] is an institutional framework that […] has formed the permanent basis of an exceptional partnership on migration between the two countries,” Castro Fernández told MAP.

The statement is “supported by concrete actions that make it [the Morocco-Spain partnership] today a model of North-South cooperation,” she added on the sidelines of the Group’s 21st meeting, which took place on Friday in Madrid.

The Spanish official expressed her desire to see this “successful” experience “extended to other countries,” saying Rabat and Madrid “are committed to continuing this experience with a global approach that reconciles multiple dimensions and contributes to jointly addressing and managing migratory flows from a human and security perspective.”

Castro Fernández stated that both parties are committed to “increasing circular migration projects, strengthening cooperation in surveillance, expanding integration policies, and fighting racism and xenophobia.” He also expressed his gratitude for this group’s “success.”

Read Also: Tensions reignite between Spain and Morocco over Ceuta and Melilla

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Ceuta and Melilla are the source of newly heightened tensions between Madrid and Rabat. Following Rabat’s protest against the remarks made by Margaritas Schinas, the “Sanchez government” responded to the Kingdom by highlighting how unmistakably “Spanish” the two towns were.

According to statements made by Jose Emmanuel Albaris, the foreign minister of Spain, “the Spanish borders are known and clear,” and “the cities of Melilla and Ceuta are internationally recognized as Spanish.”

This response from the Spanish government is in light of the “election battles” against the right wing, which won the successful outcomes it had been striving for during the local elections and demonstrated a blatant advantage in polling places throughout numerous Spanish towns.

As a result, Pedro Sanchez, the head of Spain’s central government, called early elections for the country’s legislature in July of next year.

A fleeting storm

After the phases of “clear serenity” and “close rapprochement” in the previous period, have relations between the two parties risen to another level of tensions?

Abdelali Barouki, a university professor specializing in Moroccan-Spanish relations, answers, saying that “the current developments between the two parties cannot be considered a crisis , because the debate over Moroccan Ceuta and Melilla was and is still headed in the same direction.

Barouki added, in an interview with Hespress, that “Rabat and Madrid agreed during the recent bilateral summit not to raise any sensitive issue regarding the Ceuta and Melilla file.”

Morocco is completely committed to this agreement, as evidenced by the fact that Rabat’s protest notice was written to Margaritis Schinas, the European deputy commissioner in charge of migration, rather than the Spanish government.

The same spokesperson went on to say, “The problem of Melilla and Ceuta is of the utmost significance to Morocco, as the Kingdom has repeatedly highlighted that the two cities are, by proof of history, unmistakably Moroccan.

What is going on now is merely ordinary business between the two countries, just a “passing cloud,” and Spain has reasonably conceded to Morocco’s claims on multiple occasions.

The same professor says, “Albaris’ quick and furious response came in the context of his desire to gain electoral points for his government, against the prevailing right-wing glow in the elections,” before adding, “The Spanish government raised the issue first for fear that their rival right would be in power Elections are the first to talk about.”

Electoral fever

According to journalist and expert on Spanish issues Abdelhamid Bajouki, “the Ceuta and Melilla file is not a priority for Madrid and Rabat, but as it coincides with the Spanish electoral campaign, it is currently a pressing issue for the Spanish government.”

In a statement, Bajouki added that “the Spanish foreign minister was required to respond to Morocco, so that Spain’s right-wing will not exploit his inaction to their advantage in the elections; However, his statements do not indicate that the two sides have entered a new phase of tension.”

The same expert adds that “the two countries have established a common path for cooperation and solidarity, and Rabat is a priority for the Moncloa Palace,” and emphasizes that “the recent bilateral summit between the two parties took care to avoid raising sensitive issues, in an effort to maintain the good atmosphere between them.”

“Morocco’s presence in the Spanish election campaign is natural,” the reporter said, “but most Spanish parties this year tacitly agree not to raise any sensitive issues between the two countries, fully aware of the importance of establishing good relations with their southern neighbor.”

Read Also: Spain-Morocco border agreement stalls amidst administrative roadblocks

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Given the wide-ranging interests the two nations have, Spain must have “the best relations” with Morocco, according to José Manuel Albares, the country’s minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation.

“We must maintain the best relations with Morocco, a country with which we share many challenges,” emphasized Albares, who appeared as a guest on a show on the Spanish television network “24 Horas” on Wednesday night.

The diplomat emphasized the close links that bind the two nations in all spheres, saying that “relations with Morocco must be a state policy implemented for mutual benefit.”

A million Moroccans reside among us and contribute to the economic and social development of our nation, according to the head of the Spanish business association. “More than 6,000 Spanish companies export goods 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 we fight against mafias active in human trafficking.

The minister praised the effective management of the migration issue between Rabat and Madrid and noted that, in the first quarter of 2023, the number of irregular migrants arriving in the Canary Islands decreased by 63% while rising by 95% and 300%, respectively, in Greece and Italy.

In this regard, Albares gave a favorable evaluation of the new phase that was initiated between the two nations a year ago, stating that it is founded on “more solid principles.”

The Spanish government’s stance on Morocco is unmistakable and unequivocal. The Declaration of April 7, 2022 and the Joint Declaration approving the 12th High Level Meeting both convey this position, according to the Minister.

This position is founded on cooperation, respect for one another, abstinence from meddling in other people’s internal issues, and responsibility,” he said in summary.

The two nations are committed to, among other things, addressing issues of mutual interest in a “spirit of trust and consultation,” while reactivating the working groups established between the two nations to revive multi-sectorial bilateral cooperation, in accordance with the roadmap, which was adopted on April 7, 2022, in celebration of King Mohammed VI’s invitation for the President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, to visit Morocco.

Morocco and Spain emphasized their resolve to uphold the superb ties that have always brought them together and reaffirmed their determination to further them in the Joint Declaration released at the conclusion of their 12th High-Level Meeting, held on February 1 and 2 in Rabat.

A number of cooperation agreements were struck during this time between the two parties in a number of areas, including control of immigration, tourism, infrastructure, water resources, environment, agriculture, vocational training, social security, transportation, health security, and research and development.
Read Also: Pedro Sanchez: Morocco, ‘friendly’ country and ‘fundamental ally’ for Spain’s security and development

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The president of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, declared on Wednesday that Morocco is a “friendly” nation and a “fundamental ally” for Spain’s security and economic growth.

Before the Spanish Congress of Deputies, Sanchez emphasized that Morocco was a friendly nation, a crucial ally for Spain’s economic growth and its gateway to Africa, as well as a crucial ally for security and the control of lawful immigration into our nation and across Europe.

“In April 2022, Spain and Morocco adopted a strategy with precise goals. The work done over the previous year has yielded a very positive evaluation in this regard, the head of the Spanish government stated, highlighting how the two nations have entered “a new stage on much more solid foundations.”

In this regard, Sanchez stated that he was “convinced” that the goals of the last High Level gathering, held in February in Rabat, had “largely been fulfilled,” mentioning how this gathering had made it possible to conclude a number of bilateral agreements.

The Marhaba operation has been effectively organized since the Joint Declaration was signed in April 2022, and discussions to reopen the Tarfaya-Fuerteventura shipping line have restarted, according to him. Sea and air lines have also been restored.

Additionally, Sanchez praised the two countries’ collaboration on migration, saying that it has produced “eloquent” outcomes due to “good management” of the problem.

The president of the Spanish Government stated that “today, the Atlantic route is the only route in Europe that is decreasing in context with the general increase of irregular migration to the European continent”, pointing out that in the first quarter of 2023, the arrivals of irregular migrants had decreased by 63% in the Canary Islands but had increased by 95% and 300%, respectively, in Greece and Italy.

In terms of economic and trade cooperation, Sanchez stated that exports between Spain and Morocco are expected to reach 12 billion euros in 2022 and that this tendency is steadily becoming more pronounced.

Sanchez emphasized that “the strategic relationship with Morocco is based on mutual respect, the absence of unilateral actions, and systematic adherence to agreements” and that “for the first time in the history of democracy in our country, we have the great opportunity to place relations between Spain and Morocco under the sign of a genuine and mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Based on the new roadmap, which was adopted on April 7, 2022, during Pedro Sanchez’s visit to Morocco at His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s invitation, the two countries are committed, among other things, to addressing issues of mutual interest in a “spirit of trust and consultation” and reactivating the working groups they established to rekindle multisectoral bilateral cooperation.

Read Also: Ceuta border between Spain and Morocco closed amid migrant crossing

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Madrid – Spain and Morocco have started a new stage in the revival of the project of fixed link of the Strait of Gibraltar, said the Spanish Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, Raquel Sanchez.

“We are entering a new stage in the revival of the fixed link project through the Strait of Gibraltar, which we began in 1981 with our two companies, Secegsa and the Moroccan National Society of Studies of the Strait of Gibraltar (SNED),” said Raquel Sanchez, who co-chaired the 43rd meeting of the Spanish-Moroccan Joint Committee of fixed link project of the Strait of Gibraltar on Monday with Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka.

The Spanish minister was quoted in a statement released on Tuesday by his department as saying, “The fact that we are advancing the studies of a project of the greatest geostrategic importance for our countries and for relations between Europe and Africa after fourteen years, since October 2009 in Tangier, has an important political significance.”

Following a high-level meeting between Spain and Morocco in Rabat on February 1 and 2, during which “both countries reaffirmed their agreement to promote the studies of the fixed link project,” according to the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, the joint committee meetings were called.

In this way, the committee meeting approved of the collaborative work done since 2009 by the Moroccan counterpart of SNED and the Spanish company Secegsa, which is in charge of the studies.

The same source emphasized that the joint committee’s recommendations state that “both parties encourage the visibility of the project and agreed to address the development of a comprehensive strategy and work plan for the next three years, which could include, among other things, the analysis of the feasibility of the construction of a reconnaissance gallery to identify the geomechanical characteristics.”

According to the ministry, the meeting also takes place at a time when the Secegsa has been reactivated after a period without a large budgetary commitment and studies have been ordered to determine whether an intercontinental fixed link for energy and communications is feasible.

In this regard, the same source reminded that the Plan for Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience (PRTR), adopted by the Spanish government, includes 2.3 million euros in European funds to update the project-related studies.

Read Also: Rabat’s runaway calves fuel questions about Brazilian imported cattle

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Enaam Mayara, the head of the House of Councilors, made some remarks regarding the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla. Spain’s minister of defense, Margarita Robles, has responded.

A nationalist Istiqlal party member named Naam Mayara had proposed that the “occupied” cities will eventually be reclaimed by diplomacy rather than force.

“Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish; there is nothing more to dispute,” Robles declared with “absolute and entire authority.”

Robles, quoted by Europa Press, said, “I feel very Ceut and Melillense because I feel Spanish,” avoiding a direct response to Mayara’s remarks in favor of emphasizing her personal ties to the two cities.

Robles merely said that there was no discussion on the subject when asked if the Spanish government would ask Morocco for a clarification.

Spain and Morocco have long had disagreements over the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla, with Spain claiming that they are an essential component of its territory while Morocco contests this.

Mayara’s remarks are especially relevant because the Istiqlal party, of which she is a member, is a component of the tripartite party led by the Moroccan government.

During a gathering hosted by the Istiqlal women’s organization, Mayara made the remarks. The conference’s theme was “Fundamentals and Possibilities one year after the new stage of Spanish-Moroccan relations.”

In a meeting video that Facebook made available, Mayara stated that “Spanish colonization continues in Ceuta and Melilla.”

The Istiqlal, he continued, “did not stop and won’t stop talking about colonization in these two cities and the potential solutions to recover them.” Additionally, he highlighted that neither city “will be subject to blackmail”.

Read Also: Taiwan detects 11 Chinese warships and 70 aircraft around the island: defense ministry

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Karima Benyaich, the Moroccan ambassador to Spain, had a meeting with Maria Eugènia Gay Rosell, the Spanish government’s representative in Catalonia, on Friday in Barcelona.

This gathering is a part of improving relations between Morocco and the various autonomous communities of Spain.

On this occasion, the two parties talked about methods to support the Moroccan minority living in Catalonia and looked into ways to make their lives better on a daily basis.

Benyaich made a point of highlighting the meeting’s further strengthening of Morocco and Spain’s strategic relationship as evidence of the two countries’ excellent ties.

She added that the High Level Meeting, which took place on February 1 and 2 in Rabat, gave bilateral ties at all levels a fresh start.

Benyaich also held a working meeting with a group of Catalan businessmen who attended the Forum of Dakhla. During this meeting, he had the chance to discuss the business opportunities provided by the Kingdom and how the business climate has improved as a result of the numerous steps the government has taken to draw in more foreign investors.

The ambassador discussed investment potential in Morocco while underlining the Kingdom’s twenty-year-long political, economic, and social changes, which have allowed it to take the lead in Africa’s economic development due to HM King Mohammed VI’s long-sighted leadership.

A delegation from the Moroccan Jewish community in Catalonia was also met by Benyaich. They commended HM the King for his significant contributions to promoting interfaith harmony and tolerance.

The diplomat stressed that HM the King’s enlightened vision has helped to strengthen the ties of Moroccans of the Jewish faith living abroad with their motherland. She welcomed the Royal vision and the efforts made by HM the King for the preservation of the Jewish-Moroccan heritage and the institutional modernization of the structures for the management of the daily affairs of the members of the Jewish community.

Read Also: Islamophobia: Guterres calls for an end to hatred towards Muslim

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Journalists from Morocco and Spain will attend an international symposium on “Natural Neighborhood and Perspectives of Moroccan-Spanish Relations” that the Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers (FMEJ) is hosting in Laayoune on February 24 and 25.

According to a statement from the Federation, this international symposium, which will include more than 80 participants, was organized in cooperation with the FMEJ section in the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region. It is a “media dialogue” on Moroccan-Spanish relations between Moroccan journalists and their Spanish counterparts from the Canary Islands.

According to the same source, this gathering, which is being held in collaboration with institutional actors in the area, is a part of the inaugural “Media and Society Forum,” which was organized by the FMEJ section in Laayoune and marks both the 47th anniversary of the last foreign soldier’s departure from the Southern Provinces and the 65th anniversary of the Dcheira Battle.

Read Also: Dutch Minister of Immigration meets with Minister of Interior for migration and asylum file

The FMEJ called for strengthening bilateral ties in order to advance the interests of both countries and Morocco’s territorial integrity at a time when relations between Rabat and Madrid are also undergoing a new dynamic.

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According to Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, bilateral relations with Morocco have clearly improved, thanks to strengthened political dialogue and, especially, mutual respect.

Albares told the Spanish newspaper “La Vanguardia” shortly after the bilateral High Level Meeting (HLM) in Rabat that “it was an excellent summit, there have never been so many Spanish and Moroccan ministers on both sides of the table,” adding that “it brought together 28 ministers in total.”

“There have never been so many agreements signed, we did not go to Rabat in search of photo-ops or formalities, we went in search of results,” said Albares.

According to the Minister, the most important takeaway from the meeting is that both countries have established “a new relational model based on mutual benefit, the absence of unilateral actions, transparency, and continuous communication.”

“Let me emphasize that King Mohammed VI has not received the President of the Spanish government for royal constraints, but the Moroccan Sovereign has personally been involved in the preparation of the HLM,” the Spanish official added.

According to the head of Spanish diplomacy, “current President Sanchez is likely the Spanish president who has met the King of Morocco the most.”

The Minister continued, “In fact, President Pedro Sanchez has been invited to Rabat for an upcoming meeting with King Mohamed VI.

This will happen soon, according to the Royal Cabinet’s communiqué.

La Reunión de Alto Nivel entre España y Marruecos marca un hito en nuestras relaciones bilaterales.

Consolidamos una nueva etapa y alimentamos un clima de confianza mutua y de genuina cooperación como nunca antes había existido entre ambos países.

Somos mucho más que vecinos. pic.twitter.com/XdXro7ZhyA

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) February 2, 2023

The Spanish FM has stated that customs will be organized as “we have agreed, that is, through a schedule that will be deployed gradually” with regard to Ceuta and Melilla. The Melilla customs office, which had been closed since 2018, was reopened on January 27. We don’t want to move too quickly.

Los resultados de la Reunión de Alto Nivel España-Marruecos en mi entrevista con @EnricJuliana en @LaVanguardia.https://t.co/qhbC6rFEdG

— José Manuel Albares (@jmalbares) February 5, 2023

Read Also: Spain, Morocco sign19 agreements to strengthen economic and bilateral cooperation.

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