Rabat and Madrid Work Towards a More Ambitious Vision of Their Relations, Says FM Bourita

Morocco and Spain are working to establish a more ambitious vision of their bilateral political, economic and diplomatic relations, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, said Thursday in Rabat, underlining that the roadmap adopted in the Joint Declaration of April 7, 2022 has largely been implemented. “This vision is based on Spain’s openness to new sectors, the attraction of Spanish economic operators in Morocco, and Spain’s participation in all the visions and ambitions of His Majesty the King in terms of infrastructure, as well as the development of the various areas of life of Moroccans,” stressed Bourita during a joint press briefing with the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, following their talks. Morocco’s assessment of the Joint Declaration of April 7, 2022 remains “very positive, both in terms of the approach adopted to implement the commitments made, and in terms of content, with regard to the creation of seven working groups, all of which are making significant progress in their action,” he added, emphasizing the role of businessmen and political players who are working earnestly in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect, enabling Spain to fully confirm its position as the Kingdom’s leading economic and commercial partner. “Moroccan-Spanish relations have never reached this level of solidity, strength and trust,” noted the Minister, recalling in this respect that the meeting between HM King Mohammed VI and the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sanchez, gave new impetus to the bilateral relations. Bourita also recalled the message sent by the Sovereign to Pedro Sanchez on the occasion of his investiture as President of the Spanish government, a move that testifies to the special attention paid by His Majesty the King to promoting bilateral cooperation and the milestone reached by relations between the two countries. These relations are based on mutual trust, which is tangibly reflected in the handling of sensitive issues such as terrorism and illegal immigration, and on partnership through economic and strategic cooperation, in accordance with the win-win principle. Bilateral cooperation in the fight against organized crime, terrorism and illegal immigration “is exemplary at international level,” noted Bourita, adding that the action taken by the two countries through their security services has a significant regional and geopolitical impact, particularly in North Africa and the Mediterranean. The Minister described bilateral political dialogue as “constant and constructive”, especially as direct channels of communication are operational at all levels and on a permanent basis, enabling all issues to be dealt with using a proactive approach. Albares’ visit to Morocco reflects the positive and highly ambitious nature of bilateral relations, he said, noting that the prospect of jointly organizing the World Cup in 2030 “prompts us to take a forward-looking view of our common future, taking into consideration the history, geography and willingness of the political leadership of both countries.” He also said that he had discussed with the Spanish minister the Atlantic area as an essential element of bilateral cooperation, in line with the Royal Vision, insofar as Spain, an Atlantic country, will have a role to play as Morocco’s partner within the framework of this vision. Bourita also commended Spain’s position, which considers the Moroccan autonomy initiative to be the most serious, realistic and credible basis for resolving the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.