Rabat – Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Manuel Albares said on Thursday December 16 that there is “no crisis” with Morocco.
During his appearance in Spain’s Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, Albares emphasized his determination to continue to work to improve bilateral ties between Madrid and Rabat.
The official, however, acknowledged that a lot of work is needed to achieve a better relationship with Morocco.
He said he is pleased that there is no diplomatic crisis with Morocco, but “I am not satisfied, I want the relationship to be the best it has been in the 21st century,” he said.
The Spanish repeatedly expressed his determination to increase efforts to restore normalcy to relations between Morocco and Spain.
One of the latest remarks showing Spain’s determination came from the country’s Minister of Agriculture Luis Planas.
In an interview earlier this month, Planas said relations between Madrid are good.
However, the minister said that it is “surprising” that Morocco’s ambassador to Spain Karima Benyaich has not returned to Spain yet.
Morocco recalled Benyaich in May after tensions reached new heights between Rabat and Madrid. Spain’s decision to host Polisario leader Brahim Ghali did not go unnoticed, with Rabat describing the move as a mistake that is against the spirit of the partnership between the two countries.
The Spanish government attempted to defend itself, justifying the move as a “humanitarian” gesture.
The Sanchez government has been campaigning to restore normal bilateral ties with Morocco.
In August, King Mohammed VI said he saw improvements in bilateral ties. The remarks pleased Spain’s government officials, who repeatedly called for dialogue and described Morocco as a strategic partner in different fields, particularly security.
