Cooperation between Rabat and Madrid in Security, Migration Fields Marked by ‘High Level of Efficiency’, Says Spanish Minister

Collaboration in the security and migration fields between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of Spain is marked by a “high level of efficiency”, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Friday in Rabat. “Collaboration between Rabat and Madrid is marked by a high level of efficiency, particularly in the fight against irregular migration, human trafficking, drug trafficking and organized crime,” said Grande-Marlaska following talks with Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit. Referring to the migration issue, the Spanish official, who is making his first visit abroad after the inauguration of the new government, said that the aim of cooperation between the two countries is to save human lives, combat human trafficking networks and promote legal, safe and orderly migration. Highlighting the importance of the close cooperative relations between Morocco and Spain, which include a number of common issues and challenges, Grande-Marlaska commended the “exemplary” level of cooperation in the fight against terrorism, recalling that the authorities of both countries carried out 14 joint operations against terrorist cells last year. These operations resulted in the arrest of 80 people, he said, adding that this was a “clear and obvious” illustration of the effectiveness and efficiency of cooperation between the Moroccan and Spanish security services. Praising the very fraternal relations between his country and Morocco, the Spanish minister also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of civil protection, particularly with regard to post-natural disaster response and the exchange of best practices in this area. Grande-Marlaska also welcomed the success of the “Marhaba 2023” transit operation for Moroccans living abroad, which he described as another illustration of “intense and exemplary” bilateral cooperation. Turning to the joint organization of the 2030 FIFA World Cup by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, he said that it confirmed the excellence of relations between the three countries, and expressed his conviction that it would be the “best World Cup ever”.