Rabat – Andrés Perelló Rodríguez, Director-General of Casa Mediterráneo institution, has affirmed Morocco’s position as a strategic partner for Spain, noting the deep and multifaceted relations between the two countries.
His visit to Morocco this week looks to bolster cooperation by fostering connections between economic stakeholders and civil society.
Casa Mediterráneo, a Spanish public diplomacy institution established in 2009, has consistently worked to build bridges between Spain and Mediterranean countries. Its efforts go beyond traditional diplomacy, focusing on cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and economic collaboration.
Speaking ahead of his visit, Perelló Rodríguez underlined to MAP the need to deepen partnerships with Morocco, saying, “Our mission is to create synergies with economic actors and strengthen Morocco’s role as a strategic partner.”
He also outlined plans to host cultural and commercial forums in 2025, reinforcing collaboration between institutions and businesses in both countries.
A shared vision for regional stability
Perelló Rodríguez spoke on Morocco and Spain’s shared responsibility as gateways between Europe and Africa, pointing to their critical roles in promoting stability and prosperity in the region.
“Our geographical and continental proximity demands that we maintain strong relations built on mutual respect and cooperation,” he said.
This shared vision has already yielded tangible outcomes, such as Morocco’s participation as the guest of honor at the Alicante Gastronomy Fair in September.
By fostering cultural and economic partnerships, Casa Mediterráneo plays a key role in strengthening Morocco-Spain relations, which continue to serve as a model for regional cooperation.
This collaboration aligns with remarks made by Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares in March, who has consistently noted Morocco’s strategic importance.
Speaking at the Spanish Senate, Albares described Morocco as a “key partner” in areas such as counterterrorism, dismantling jihadist cells, combating irregular migration, and bolstering Spain’s economic framework.
Highlighting the significance of maintaining strong ties, Albares stated, “Spain must have the best relations with a neighbor like Morocco,” framing this approach as a cornerstone of Spain’s foreign and state policy.
Bilateral relations have seen notable progress since 2022, when Spain joined other nations in recognizing Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as “the most serious and credible” solution to the Western Sahara dispute.
This shift further solidified cooperation, setting the stage for deeper collaboration across political, economic, and cultural dimensions.
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