Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reiterated his country’s position in support of Morrocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara territory and welcomed strengthened ties with Morocco at all levels.
Sanchez who paid a working visit to Morocco Wednesday, his first since his re-election, recalled that Spain remains consistent in its policy towards the Sahara conflict in line with the declaration Spain made in 2022 describing the autonomy plan as “the most serious, realistic and credible solution” to the Sahara issue.
Relations between the two countries are at their best in decades, he said at a press conference, following a meeting with King Mohammed VI.
he said that Spain is planning to invest 45 billion euros in Morocco by 2050 in various projects.
Spain is Morocco’s largest trading partner while Morocco is the third largest trading partner for Spain outside the EU, right after the US and the UK. Bilateral trade totaled 20 billion euros last year and is set to break new records as businessmen from the two countries reap the benefits of improved diplomatic ties.
Touching on the issue of migration, Sanchez said Cooperation with Morocco on migration is “exemplary,” adding that his country seeks to promote regular migration flows.
The two countries continue to cooperate closely against security risks including organized crime and terrorism, he said.
Sanchez also said the 2030 World Cup, to be hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, is a chance to further reinforce cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties.
A statement by the Royal Office said Sanchez welcomed and and highlighted Spain’s interest in the strategic initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI, notably the African Atlantic Coastal Initiative, the Royal Initiative to enable Atlantic access for Sahel countries, and the Nigeria-Morocco African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline.