“Spain’s position on the Sahara issue has not changed. It is already stated in the Joint Declaration adopted on April 7, 2022, and in the Declaration issued following the 12th Moroccan-Spanish High-Level Meeting in February 2023”, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told the press on Thursday in Rabat.
The April 7 Declaration states that Spain considers the Moroccan autonomy initiative, which was submitted in 2007, as the most serious, realistic and credible basis to solve the Sahara issue.
The Spanish top official was speaking at a joint press briefing after his talks with Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita on cooperation in matters such as security, economy, and culture.
Bourita recalled King Mohammed VI’s letter to Pedro Sanchez to congratulate him on his reelection as Prime Minister of Spain and emphasize the long-standing and excellent ties between the two Kingdoms.
He explained that Spain has become Morocco’s top economic partner since 2022, and that the Kingdom is willing to push forward this partnership into new areas of investment, whether in Morocco or Spain. “Morocco is investing a lot in the Atlantic coast and Spain can play an important role in this regard.”
For his part, Albares stated that Morocco is Spain 3rd non-EU partner after the US and the UK, with bilateral trade hitting 20 Bln Euros. He also voiced Spain’s interest in investing in Moroccan mega projects as seawater desalination plants.
Albares applauded the crucial role played by the Kingdom in fighting illegal migration and countering terrorism in the Sahel region.
The Spanish Minister expressed hope to further cultural collaboration through the Cervantes Cultural Centers, noting that Morocco has the highest number of Spanish schools outside Spain.
Both ministers condemned the violent Israeli attacks on civilians, holy places, schools, hospitals, UN staff, and journalists; and called for a ceasefire in Gaza. They urged the international community and the UN Security Council to should their responsibility of finding a sustainable solution to the situation in the Gaza Strip.