Yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albarez, met with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, in order to reactivate bilateral work. The two diplomats stressed that the relationship between Spain and Morocco has never been this tense and that it is going through its “best moments.” They also indicated that there is “mutual trust” to continue progress on the agreed-upon road map.
Among the outstanding issues is the opening of commercial customs in Ceuta and Melilla. Albarez explained that the Spanish side “everything is ready,” and his counterpart defended that it was “progress” and that what was agreed upon will be implemented, but the Spanish minister was unable to leave the meeting with a specific date for the reopening. Regarding the delay, Bourita said: “The matter is neither a commitment nor a political problem, but rather a technical problem.”
The two ministers defended the need for continued cooperation on immigration matters. Bourita stressed that “the two countries will do everything in their power to prevent the mafia from operating.” Albares highlighted Morocco’s “exceptional work” in the field of migration and its “availability.” In addition, the Spanish Foreign Minister said that the increase in the arrival of herders to the Canary Islands “has more to do with instability in the Sahel region than with the reality in Morocco.” Specifically, Paris continues its official trip today to Senegal and Mauritania to enhance cooperation.
Regarding the demarcation of the territorial waters of the Canary Islands with Western Sahara, the two ministers confirmed that meetings between the working groups will continue. Bourita said in this regard: “There cannot be unilateral measures.” He stressed the need to seek dialogue “on all points that need solutions.” Albarez confirmed that the Canaries will continue to be represented in this committee and that his dialogue with the archipelago’s government continues.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also met with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. During the meeting, economic, immigration and political issues were discussed. And also about the future of world football that they will celebrate with Portugal in 2030. In the afternoon he met with Spanish businessmen and aid workers, and participated in a reception at the Ambassador’s residence attended by six Moroccan ministers and two real Council members. Al-Bars also visited the Spanish School in Rabat and officially inaugurated the model of the new center, which is under construction and expected to be completed within three years.
“Freelance social media evangelist. Organizer. Certified student. Music maven.”
