Former Spanish PM Urges Sanchez Government to Mend Ties with Morocco

"The relationship with Morocco is a matter of state, as it touches on security and we must do everything possible to restore good relations as soon as possible," said Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in an interview published Sunday by the daily La Razon.

To read: Spain’s Sánchez Seeks to Mend Ties with Morocco, Calls for Renewed Cooperation

According to the former head of the Spanish Executive, "the government would not be wrong to promote all the necessary initiatives for the restoration of dialogue...". And he added: "The relationship with Morocco must be based on a basic principle, that of trust". Drawing on his "experience", Zapatero is convinced "that a very good relationship with Morocco is perfectly possible", specifying that the kingdom has always maintained good relations of understanding and cooperation with Spain.

"Our relationship with Morocco is fundamental," Zapatero also argues, recalling and commending Morocco’s efforts in the fight against illegal immigration.

To read: Spain Shifts Stance on Western Sahara, Aligning Closer with Morocco

On the Sahara issue, the former Spanish president recognized the relevance of the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco. "I hope that the United Nations, which must take the initiative, and which has already taken into account in its resolutions the advanced autonomy project presented in 2007 by the Kingdom of Morocco, will work in this direction," he concluded.