Rabat – Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez convened in Madrid on Thursday. During the meeting, they oversaw the signing of multiple bilateral agreements, marking a deepening of relations.
The ceremony forms part of the 13th high-level meeting between the two countries. Discussions primarily focused on addressing key bilateral issues of mutual interest.
Reports indicate that the management of Western Sahara airspace also featured in the discussions. Officials from both nations aimed to find common ground on this sensitive matter.
The Spanish government confirmed the meeting, stating that Sanchez and Akhannouch presided over the agreement signings. This demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Key Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding
Diplomatic and Legal Cooperation
Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and Jose Manuel Albares signed several memoranda of understanding. These agreements aim to enhance the bilateral partnership between Morocco and Spain. The initiatives include cooperation for diplomatic training and a youth diplomat exchange program.
Justice Ministers Abdellatif Ouahbi and Jose Manuel Albares also formalized an agreement. This agreement facilitates the exchange of cooperation requests electronically between the two nations’ judicial systems.
Economic and Security Accords
Albares and Economy Minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui signed a taxation agreement, strengthening economic cooperation. Bourita and the Spanish migration minister reaffirmed their commitment to combatting hate speech through a signed declaration.
Luis Planas, the Agriculture Minister of Spain, and his Moroccan counterpart, Ahmed Bouari, signed agreements concerning agriculture and food production. Further, they established an accord to counter illegal fishing activities.
Cultural and Social Initiatives
Morocco’s Minister of Education, Mohammed Saad Berada, and his counterpart signed an agreement focusing on Arabic language and Moroccan culture instruction. This initiative will take place within Spanish institutions located in Morocco.
Ministers also finalized an agreement aimed at enhancing sports cooperation between Morocco and Spain. Additionally, a social protection agreement between the two countries was extended.
Western Sahara and Airspace Management
Spain’s Position on Western Sahara
Reports indicate that discussions addressed the Western Sahara dispute. In 2022, Madrid expressed support for Morocco’s territorial integrity.
Spain endorsed the Autonomy Plan, recognizing it as the most credible solution to the dispute. This decision followed a period of strained relations due to Spain’s hospitalization of Polisario leader, Brahim Ghali.
Spain reaffirmed its position during the High-Level meeting, welcoming UN Security Council Resolution 2797. The resolution acknowledged Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a viable political solution.
Spain described the Moroccan initiative as a highly achievable solution to resolve the dispute. The nation renewed its support for the UN-led political process based on the Moroccan autonomy plan.
Airspace Control Negotiations
Reports suggest that Spain and Morocco discussed the territory’s airspace management. Morocco has reportedly expanded its control over airspace in its southern provinces.
Meetings have taken place over the past few years regarding the management of the airspace, previously under Spanish control. Moroccan airport authorities presently coordinate movements with ENAIRE, their European counterpart.
The joint declaration of April 2022, following Sanchez’s meeting with King Mohammed VI, identified airspace management as a focal point. Discussions are to be initiated regarding this issue.
