Morocco’s King Mohammed VI received Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain, today, Wednesday, at the Royal Palace in Rabat, according to a statement issued by the Royal Palace.
The statement added that Sanchez's visit falls within the framework of the continuity of the dynamics initiated by the new phase of bilateral relations, which was launched since the meeting between the Moroccan monarch and the Spanish Prime Minister in April 2022, culminating in the adoption of the joint statement between the two countries.
The statement further elaborated that this dynamism continues "in a manner that fosters satisfaction, characterized by enhancing cooperation, coordination, and partnership in all areas on the basis of principles of mutual trust, respect, ambition, good neighborliness, and fulfillment of commitments."
On the occasion of this reception, the Spanish Prime Minister reiterated to King Mohammed VI Spain's position as stated in the joint statement of April 2022, considering the Moroccan initiative for autonomy as the most serious, realistic, and credible basis for resolving the Sahara issue. The King expressed his "thanks to Spain for this new constructive and important stance."
During the reception, King Mohammed VI emphasized to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez "the unique prospects for cooperation open to the two neighboring countries," with the joint organization, along with Portugal, of the 2030 FIFA World Cup serving as an additional lever to enhance it.
The Spanish Prime Minister expressed his appreciation and reiterated Spain's interest in the strategic initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI, especially the initiative for African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the royal initiative to enhance the access of coastal countries to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline.
Attending the reception from the Spanish side were José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, and Emma Barthe, Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs of the Spanish government. On the Moroccan side, Fouad Ali El Himma, Advisor to the Moroccan monarch, and Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, were present.
