Rabat – Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares, has said that his country considers Morocco as a “fundamental country” for the stability of the Mediterranean region.
“Morocco is a fundamental country for the stability of the entire Mediterranean,” Manuel Albares said in an interview with the Spanish news outlet Diario de Sevilla on November 14.
“We have a strategic partnership with Morocco,” the Spanish diplomat added, stressing his country’s willingness to further strengthen relations with Morocco.
“We both [Morocco and Spain] want a relationship that is based on the same pillars: trust, mutual benefit and mutual respect. Not unilateral actions,” he said, adding Spain is ready to open a “new phase” in its relationship with Morocco.
Earlier this year, the diplomatic feud between Morocco and Spain appeared to take another turn when Spain used the military to heavy-handedly disperse – and mistreat – migrants in Ceuta.
Morocco expressed concerns about the diplomatic fallout over the Ceuta migration issue and Spain’s sheltering of Polisario leader Brahim Ghali.
Jose commented on the issue, saying “this summer, Morocco has fully collaborated, the Andalusians seem to be reassured.”
The Spanish diplomat spoke of a “healthy relationship” between Madrid and Rabat despite lingering, unsettled issues. He acknowledged that Morocco has been cooperative in various sensitive areas, including illegal immigration, to mitigate tensions with Spain, saying: “This summer, Morocco has fully collaborated, the Andalusians seem to be reassured.”
Mentioning Morocco-Algeria relations, the Spanish minister stressed that the growing tensions between Spain’s two strategic partners worries Madrid.
“It’s not something we like. They are two fundamental partners for Spain, but also for the European Union. And above all it is with them that we build the Mediterranean,” he added.
The Spanish FM’s comments come ahead of the Union for the Mediterranean meeting, which will be held in Barcelona on November 28 and 29.
Jose spoke emphatically of the importance of regional dialogue, stressing that the Algeria-Morocco tensions will be included in discussions to work “in favour of good neighbourliness, cooperation” and regional prosperity in the Mediterranean.
