Rabat — Spanish and Moroccan officials continue to stress the importance of bilateral ties between Rabat and Madrid amid a fierce Spanish campaign targeting Morocco.
Morocco’s ambassador to Spain Karima Benyaich has recalled the vital partnerships between the two countries, describing ties as “fruitful” and “founded on mutual respect and an ambitious roadmap.”
The top diplomat made her remarks at a conference this week on Friday, stating that cooperation spans all sectors, including trade.
She pointed out Morocco’s position as Spain’s third largest trading partner outside the EU after the US and the UK, adding that the North African country hosts nearly 1,000 Spanish companies among the 20,000 that cooperate with the country.
The companies operating in Morocco generate €2 billion in investments and create 20,000 jobs, she said, recalling that Moroccan companies – including fertilizer giant OCP– are increasing their investments in Spain.
She said this reflects an economic dynamism and contributes to the deepening bilateral ties between Rabat and Spain.
In addition, Spain and Morocco also enjoy frequent weekly flights, which are estimated at 260, as well as 60 daily maritime connections.
In 2024, Morocco received three million Spanish visitors, representing a 16% increase compared to 2023, and confirming Spain as Morocco’s second-largest tourist market.
She also touched upon their education cooperation, under which nearly 12,000 Moroccan students are pursuing their studies in Spain.
This represents 10% of foreign students in the European country, she said, adding that Morocco is also home to the largest network of Cervantes Institutes.
Benyaich said the countries’ strengthened ties are also reflected through the historic joint project for the 2030 World Cup — which Spain and Morocco are going to host along with Portugal.
“This unprecedented initiative connects Europe and Africa, as well as the North and South of the Mediterranean, and reflects the mutual trust and harmony between the governments of the three countries,” she said.
Sharp criticism and a hostile Spanish media campaign have marred ties between the two countries, particularly amid ongoing negotiations on the complete reopening of customs borders between the Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta and Morocco.
Several Spanish outlets have been accusing Morocco of “blocking” the customs operations. But similar allegations come as no surprise as the Spanish media have been redeploying the same approach against Morocco.
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Many Spanish officials, however, have been attempting to calm media frustration, including Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Manuel Albares.
“Both countries thought that January 8 could be the day for the first official step, as tests showed positive results,” he told the press recently.
Three pilot tests were conducted in 2023 but there is “still work to be done by both customs authorities to definitively resolve any technical problems that may exist,” he added.
King Felipe VI of Spain has also reiterated the importance of boosting ties with Morocco, expressing his country’s commitment to continue to advance the Madrid-Rabat bilateral agenda.
He said Morocco is a country “with which we must pursue our collaboration in the spirit of friendship and cooperation governing our special neighborly relations.”
