Spain aims to get back on track with Morocco
Crisis in relations overcome as PM dines with king and holds talks
PRIME Minister Pedro Sánchez met the king of Morocco, Mohamed VI in Rabat last Thursday in a bid to end the diplomatic stand-off between the countries caused when the leader of the Polisario Front was allowed into Spain to receive treatment for a severe bout of Covid-19.
According to the Spanish government, the PM’s visit ‘starts a new stage in the relations between Morocco and Spain’.
Sr Sánchez had been invited for a meal in his honour – an ‘iftar’ which breaks the fast at the end of the day during Ramadam.
In the press conference which followed he highlighted the ‘long shared history’ between the countries, which has not always been a peaceful one. He noted that they needed to tackle the joint challenges which exist and also the ‘multiple opportunities’ for the future.
The PM stated that they should be able form an ‘authentic partnership for the 21st century’.
“This is a historic and necessary moment,” said Sr Sánchez. “Spain and Morocco are neighbouring countries – friends and trading partners.
“If we can advance and increase cooperation then it will be of mutual benefit.”
The two countries have agreed to form working groups, ‘which will start to meet soon’ to tackle all the issues of common interest.
There is already a group which covers migration, which is perhaps the greatest concern of the Spanish government, with tens of thousands of people from other African countries using Morocco as a stepping stone to reach Europe via Spain.
Added to this there will be a committee to address economic issues, infrastructure, education, professional training, culture and sport.
After the first meetings take place then a high-level summit between both governments will be organised for later this year.
The Spanish government also highlighted that the improved relations are allowing for a ‘progressive return to the circulations of goods’ through the borders separating the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla from Moroccan territory.
Ferry crossings between Spain and Morocco have also been reinstated and Spain is now preparing for the annual operation in which hundreds of thousands of people return to Morocco from Europe during the summer holidays, using Spanish ports for their journeys.
Polisario conflict
The Polisario Front is a rebel Sahrawi nationalist liberation movement which claims the Western Sahara.
The area was annexed by Morocco in 1975 leading to a long-running conflict between Morocco and its indigenous Saharawi people.