Spain’s former Prime Minister Jose Zapatero has welcomed his country’s newly announced support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in Western Sahara, saying that Madrid’s endorsement of the Moroccan proposal is “politically intelligent.”
Given that “the Sahara is a major issue for Morocco,” Spain’s former PM noted in an interview with Spanish radio Cadena Ser, the Spanish government’s endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan was an important step toward opening a new page in relations with an essential partner.
Zapatero emphasized Morocco’s vital role in ensuring Spain’s stability. “We must be happy because today we have recovered something as important for Spain as a relationship of trust with Morocco,” he said.
The two countries share strategic and regional concerns, with “Spain’s stability and its fight against illegal immigration and terrorism are issues that depend on a good relationship with Morocco,” he argued.
Spain’s PM Pedro Sanchez officially announced on Friday his country’s positive stance on Morocco’s proposed Autonomy Plan, saying that Madrid considers the Moroccan plan for Western Sahara as the “the most serious and credible basis” to ending the long-standing conflict over the region.
Zapatero’s comments echoed Sanchez’ remarks in a letter to King Mohammed VI. In his letter to the Moroccan monarch, the Spanish head of government argued that Morocco and Spain”are inextricably linked by affections, history, geography, interests, and a shared friendship.”
Following Spain’s endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, the country’s ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the new stance.
“the Kingdom of Morocco highly appreciates Spain’s positive positions and constructive commitments on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara,” the ministry said in a press release.
Many political analysts have said that Spain’s move constitutes a historic re-orientation of bilateral relations with Morocco, especially on the Western Sahara issue.
As the culmination of months-long efforts by Spanish officials to repair lingering tensions with Morocco, the move testifies to both Moroccan diplomacy’s growing effectiveness and Spain’s desire to enter a new phase of partnership with an “indispensable” and “essential” ally.
