Rabat – Spanish Minister of Presidency Felix Bolanos has vowed that the upcoming visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Morocco will have a positive impact on Moroccan-Spanish relations.
Bolanos emphasized that the “fruits of the visit” will be seen, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two countries.
“There is a very important trip for the president of the Government and the fruits of this new relationship that we want to establish will begin to be seen,” he told La Verdad newspaper on Sunday.
Last week, King Mohammed VI extended an invitation to Sanchez to visit Morocco in the “very next days.”
The King of Morocco invited Sanchez to visit the North African country during a phone conversation.
In the phone call, King Mohammed VI also reiterated his appreciation for Spain’s efforts to improve diplomatic ties with Morocco.
In March, Sanchez addressed a letter to the Moroccan King, announcing Spain’s official endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the most serious and credible solution to end the dispute over Western Sahara.
The Spanish move marked the end of an unprecedented diplomatic crisis that broke out in April 2021.
The tension had been due to Spain’s decision to shelter Polisario leader Brahim Ghali for hospitalization.
Following recent developments and Spain’s new position over Western Sahara, both Morocco and Spain have been reiterating their determination to open a new phase of relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
Bolanos said that maintaining good relations with Morocco is part of the country’s approach to ensuring stability.
He also cited cooperation between the two countries, forging economic growth.
Sanchez is expected to visit Morocco along with foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares.
Morocco and Spain’s relations are increasing with trade and economic activities.
In 2021, Morocco exported over €7 billion worth of goods to Spain. The number represents a 14.6% increase compared to 2020, according to data published by the Spanish embassy in Rabat.
Morocco imported €9.5 billion from its Spanish neighbor in 2021, an increase of 29.2% from the previous year.
