![Spanish Representatives Oppose Morocco’s Joint Bid with Spain and Portugal Spain’ Prime Minister proposed a trio bid with Morocco and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup; but the idea does not appear to be popular with Spanish politicians. The representatives of two Spanish political parties, the People’s Party and the Citizens-Party, have said they do not want Spain to submit a joint candidacy with Portugal and Morocco for the 2030 World Cup. In a meeting organized by the National Federation of Sports Facilities Entrepreneurs (FNEID) in Madrid, the People’s party representative, Vicente Azpitarte dismissively spoke about Spain joining a trio with Morocco and Portugal to organize the World Cup. Azpitarte specifically wondered whether Spain would get any advantages from teaming up with the two countries, t Spanish news outlet Iusport reported on Wednesday. The Citizens-Party representative, Roberto Nunez, agreed with Azpitarte. “We do not intend to organize a World Cup with other countries. Spain has more than enough capacity [to organize the World Cup], it is a country that has already organized a World Cup, and we do not understand that proposal,” Nunez said. The adviser of United Podemos, Oscar Penas, stated that he does not clearly see why “the priority is to organize a World Cup or an Olympiad at this time.” Morocco and Spain cooperate on a number of issues, ranging from security and migration to trade and education. On November 18, the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, arrived in Morocco for a first visit since his election to premiership. During his visit, Sanchez proposed to both Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani and King Mohammed VI a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup. “We are launching a joint message, which is that this will be a bid between two continents. The King of Morocco is receptive and we’re going to work on it with Portugal. We are very excited about it,” Sanchez said.](https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ABL-Launches-in-Casablanca-Becoming-Africa’s-First-Aircraft-Leaser-180x135.jpeg "ABL Launches in Casablanca, Becoming Africa’s First Aircraft Leaser")
IRabat - Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, chairwoman of the US House Subcommittee on the MENA region has said the US sides with Morocco in counterterrorism.
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, chairwoman of the US House Subcommittee on the MENA region has said the US sides with Morocco in counterterrorism.
The US allies itself with Morocco in its fight against terrorism and in maintaining security, Ros-Lehtinen said, on Friday, October 26, in Rabat, Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) reported.
Ros-Lehtinen was speaking to the press after meeting Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita.
Ros-Lehtinen indicated that Morocco is a strong country with which the US shares “the same problems.”
Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican representative, said she is “convinced that Morocco will protect its citizens against ISIS and other extremist groups.”
The US attaches great importance to the long-standing friendship and bilateral cooperation in all areas, including trade and security, she added.
The US congresswoman also said she “was very happy” with the upcoming launch of the new direct flights between Casablanca and Miami.
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) announced on October 17 that its new direct flights between Casablanca and Miami will operate Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
RAM will launch the non-stop flight on April 3, 2019. All flights will use the Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner with 274 seats, including 18 in business class.
Ros-Lehtinen talked about the financial support the US Congress has given Morocco, saying it is an “investment in the future, because Morocco is the future of the Middle East and Africa” and “a leader for moderation and stability.”
Ros-Lehtinen also spoke about Iran’s objectives, noting that Iran “is trying to exploit the instability in the region to strengthen its control.” Morocco cut diplomatic ties with Iran on May 1.
She acknowledged that Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize Iran’s threat to world peace and stability well before the US.
Ros-Lehtinen’s visit to Morocco comes as part of an official visit by a delegation of US congresswomen to the MENA region to enhance security cooperation with US allies.
On October 19, former US Congressman Christopher Shays, also hailed Morocco’s achievement in counterterrorism and security.
“As [the Trump] administration continues to reconsider each individual relationship, Morocco remains a model ally that holds the keys to America’s future success on the African continent,” Shays wrote.
Shays described Morocco as a “crucial security partner” and a “leader in religious tolerance” for the MENA region.
With the continued terrorism threat in North Africa, Shays recognized Morocco’s successful contribution to global counterterrorism, as well as its effectiveness in providing security against terrorism within its borders.
