Three Cultures Foundation Hails New Momentum in Spain-Morocco Relations

The Seville-based Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation on Thursday welcomed the new momentum in Spain-Morocco relations. “Spain and Morocco have taken a new step in their relationship leaving behind a situation of disagreement that benefited no one. Spain and Morocco are neighbors, friends and strategic allies. The new relationship created should be understood as an opportunity that would allow both countries to build on their historical ties and good understanding, consolidate mutual trust and intensify bilateral relations,” the Foundation said in a statement. “Andalusia is fully aware of the importance of good relations between Spain and Morocco and has worked for better understanding, which is why it is pleased with this new rapprochement between the two sides after such a difficult period,” it added. All aspects that are of particular interest to Spain and Morocco such as migration flows, security, trade, scientific or academic relations, environment protection, tourism, fisheries or agriculture are also important for the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, said the Foundation, which held on Wednesday the Standing Committee meeting of its Board of Directors, chaired by the Foundation’s co-presidents André Azoulay and Elías Bendodo, Minister of the Presidency, Public Administration & Internal Affairs of the Andalusian government. “The Andalusian government has always placed the quest for the best relationship with our Southern neighbor and friend at the forefront of its objectives,” the statement added. For this reason, the Government of Andalusia and the Kingdom of Morocco created, nearly a quarter of a century ago, the Foundation Three Cultures of the Mediterranean, being “convinced that Andalusia should play a special role in a project that enhances our southern neighbor and friend.” “In this new and exciting stage of the Morocco-Spain relationship, both countries are called to seek spaces of understanding and thought that will allow them to have a long-term vision to face together present and future challenges,” the Foundation added. “At the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation, we believe that there is no better place to enter this new stage other than the institution itself. Since its inception, it has played an important role in the relations between the two countries and the two shores of the Mediterranean,” the statement said. “We want to continue being this meeting place between Spain, Andalusia and Morocco. We are supported by our tradition, our international prestige, our commitment to peace, dialogue and understanding between peoples. But above all, we are a unique Institution in the world that wants to play a key role in this new stage,” the Foundation concluded.