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Join on Telegram Rabat – Spain’s former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said that he has been supporting the Autonomy Plan since its introduction by Morocco in 2007.
Zapatero made his remark during an interview with Moroccan news agency MAP on Wednesday.
In the interview, the former Spanish official emphasized that Morocco’s Autonomy Plan is the “most solid, safest, and best path for everyone.”
Zapatero stressed that Morocco’s Autonomy initiative for Western Sahara is in line with the UN-led political process, recalling the Security Council’s resolutions describing the proposal as a “serious and credible” way toward finding a mutual and agreed upon political solution to end the dispute over the region. .
Zapatero’s remarks followed Spain’s new position, supporting Morocco’s Autonomy initiative as the most serious and credible approach to find a lasting and realistic solution to end the dispute.
On March 18, Spain PM Pedro Sanchez addressed a letter to King Mohammed VI, in which the European country officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy initiative.
“The current Spanish government has made its position clear and very explicit. This is positive because it is always a good idea for policies to be defined in a clear and transparent way so that all actors know what the rules are,” he argued.
Zapatero also commented on the end of the political crisis between Spain and Morocco, emphasizing that the new phase of relations between the two countries is a “positive message addressed to the world in this period of serious crisis.”
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Morocco and Spain witnessed an unprecedented diplomatic crisis in 2021, when the Spanish government allowed Polisario leader Brahim Ghali to enter its territory for hospitalization.
Morocco saw the move as against bilateral relations and the spirit of partnership between the two countries.
Spain has been increasing efforts to reestablish diplomatic ties with Morocco, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the two countries.
Zapatero’s interview came on the eve of Pedro Sanchez’s confirmed visit to Morocco.
Sanchez will arrive in Morocco on Thursday to hold talks with King Mohammed VI and senior Moroccan officials.
King Mohammed VI will also host an iftar (Ramadan breakfast served during sunset) in honor of Sanchez.
