Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reassured the Head of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, that the Moroccan Royal Navy’s exercises were being conducted off the coasts of Dakhla and Laayoune, the capital city of the Moroccan Sahara, and not in Spanish waters, Spanish media reported on Monday.
In the wake of Morocco’s naval maneuvers that began Friday and caused a minor territorial tiff with the Canary Islands leader, Albares confirmed in a telephone conversation with Clavijo that the naval maneuvers are being conducted “outside the territorial waters” of the islands. The drills are taking place in “well-circumscribed areas and very far from Spanish waters.”
Pres. Clavijo expressed satisfaction with the explanation and clarification that addressed his concerns, according to Spanish media, citing ministry sources.
The two officials affirmed the importance of maintaining the current good relations with the kingdom of Morocco, and they agreed to hold an in-person meeting soon to further discuss the matter.
Morocco’s naval exercises commenced on Friday and are taking place along the Moroccan Atlantic coast of the Sahara approximately 125 kilometers from the Canary Islands. They are expected to continue through June 28, 2024.