In the words of the head of Spanish diplomacy, José Manuel Albares, the bilateral relationship between Spain and Morocco "has never been so intense and so fruitful as at this moment." This is the diagnosis that the Foreign Minister has made from Rabat, where he has traveled on his first trip of this legislature. Trade relations are fruitful, police collaboration is favoring both countries and on the horizon is the joint organization of the 2030 World Cup. However, there is one issue that is choking on: the pending reopening of the Melilla customs —closed in 2018— and the implementation of one in Ceuta, as stated in the new roadmap that Rabat and Madrid sealed.
Albares will leave Morocco without a date to reopen customs, something that for Spain has an enormous symbolic weight. The minister wanted to make it clear that no more pilot tests are necessary on Spain's part. To date there have only been three tests: the first at the end of January, on the eve of the High Level Meeting (RAN) on February 1 and 2, the second on February 24, and the last on May 26, before of the regional and municipal elections. "Everything is ready so they can start operating," insisted Albares, who has asked to relaunch what was agreed.
The Moroccan minister assures that he will comply, although he does not specify when it will be done. According to Burita, we are not facing "a problem of commitments or politics", but rather a "problem of technical implementation." When it comes time, there will be "a reopening of customs in which a common formula will be applied that results in a better one and that does not generate any type of frustration."
Before meeting with his counterpart, Albares had a meeting – which was not planned in the agenda – with the Moroccan Prime Minister, Aziz Ajanuch. According to sources close to the meeting, which lasted half an hour, both addressed different aspects of bilateral relations, particularly immigration and economic issues. Also about the joint organization of the 2030 World Cup by Spain, Morocco and Portugal.
Both have celebrated "the quality of the bilateral relationship, based on good neighborliness, mutual trust and permanent and constructive dialogue" in this new stage that began in April 2022 with the meeting between the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the King Mohamed VI, as specified by the prime minister's office in a statement collected by the Efe Agency.
Likewise, they congratulated themselves on the "concordance of points of view regarding different issues of common interest" and that the two countries now maintain a "multidimensional strategic partnership that encompasses all aspects of cooperation."
The minister arrived in Rabat last night and began his visit with a meeting with Moroccan Hispanists. Early this Thursday he completed the formal offering at the tombs of Mohamed V, grandfather of the current monarch, and Hassan II, his father.
In addition, he visited the Spanish School of Rabat, where he had the opportunity to learn about the project for what will be its new headquarters, which is scheduled to be completed by 2023 and for which a budget of around 20 million will be allocated. The new center, measuring about 20,000 square meters, will have capacity for about 1,000 students.
The minister has been able to speak briefly with some of the center's students, many of whom have expressed their desire to be able to pursue their university studies in Spain.
Albares has highlighted the importance that the Spanish School has in strengthening the "human ties" between Spain and Morocco and has highlighted that the work done by its teachers contributes to a better understanding of the Spanish language and culture.
