Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez paid a visit to Rabat, Morocco yesterday, Tuesday, February 21st. Two years after their reconciliation, Morocco and Spain now appear to enjoy a harmonious relationship, strengthening commercial ties, border security, combatting drug trafficking, and of course, joint organization of the 2030 World Cup with Portugal. To discuss all these matters, the Spanish Prime Minister was received by his Moroccan counterpart as well as the sovereign of the kingdom.
For the fifth time in as many years of his term, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez traveled to Moroccan soil for his second visit since the major reconciliation of 2022, which notably saw Spain unexpectedly aligning with Morocco’s national cause in Western Sahara. Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was received by King Mohammed VI of Morocco just a few hours after his arrival. Before this, Pedro Sanchez had lunch with his counterpart Aziz Akhannouch.
Ceuta and Melilla
Among the major topics discussed during these two meetings was the sensitive issue of the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish cities located on the Moroccan coast, which the Moroccan press sometimes refers to as “occupied”. These cities have been without customs links with Morocco since 2018. During a press conference, Pedro Sanchez assured that Spain was ready to reopen these customs, pending clarification from Morocco, as preparations are still underway.
Promotion
Regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue, the Spanish Prime Minister assured that Spain’s position would not change. For the former colonizer, Morocco’s autonomy plan for this disputed region is the “most credible, serious, and realistic” solution. Finally, on the economic front, the focus was on promoting Spanish interests. Morocco plans significant investments to modernize the country, and Spanish companies “are ready to actively participate,” explained Pedro Sanchez.