Morocco and Spain can play an important role in the prosperity and stability in Europe and Africa, said, Thursday in Rabat, the President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez.
“Spain can play an important role for Africa and, undoubtedly, for Morocco within the European Union, just as Morocco can play and does play a decisive role for Spain and the EU within the African Union,” said Sanchez during a press briefing, at the end of talks with King Mohammed VI.
Sanchez said the audience granted to him by the Sovereign was an opportunity to discuss and define a new sustainable and ambitious roadmap that will guide this new phase between the two countries.
Morocco and Spain do not only share geographical proximity, but also the desire to move forward to promote economic recovery, modernize the productive fabric and develop mutual investment, he said.
He noted in this connection that Spain is a priority partner for Morocco both in trade relations and investment and vice versa.
“We have common goals, especially in the areas of energy transition, green hydrogen and renewable energy to ensure the progress of both countries, as well as economic stability and prosperity of Africa and Europe,” Sanchez insisted.
Morocco and Spain can play a decisive role in political stability, socio-economic development and energy transition both in Europe and Africa, concluded the head of the Spanish Executive.
He described as a “historic moment” the new stage in relations between Morocco and Spain, two neighboring countries, friends and partners, which explains the strategic nature of their bilateral relations.
The interdependence between the two countries in all areas is an undeniable reality and it is the responsibility of both governments to strengthen and tighten the bonds of friendship and the bilateral strategic relationship, he stressed.
The Spanish government wants the new stage of bilateral relations to be based on solid principles identified in a clear roadmap, which allows the management of issues of interest in a concerted manner within the framework of neighborliness, far from unilateral acts, he insisted.
He also highlighted the joint statement adopted at the end of his discussions with the King, including the new roadmap that includes several elements, notably the full normalization of the movement of people and goods that will be restored in an orderly manner, the immediate and gradual restoration of maritime passenger links between the two countries until the opening of all frequencies and preparations for the Paso del Estrecho/Marhaba operation.
Sanchez also mentioned the upcoming meeting of the Permanent Spanish-Moroccan Group on Migration and the creation of other groups in the economic, energy, sports, cultural and infrastructure fields, among others.
The results of the activities of these working groups will be submitted to the High-Level Meeting, scheduled before the end of the year, he said.
The two kingdoms are opening a new page in their long common history that will allow them to face the challenges with serenity and take advantage of the many opportunities for the future through a close and mutually beneficial collaboration, he stressed.
“We begin this new stage in the relationship between Spain and Morocco with hope and responsibility, because it will contribute concretely to guarantee the interests, stability and integrity of our two countries,” concluded Sanchez.