Morocco has yet to form its new government, and Madrid is already sending it a message
The day after Morocco’s parliamentary elections, Spanish Agriculture Minister Luis Planas said he hoped to continue cooperation with the future government. He called on both countries to do their part to preserve a relationship he considers essential to Spain and Morocco, as well as to Europe and Africa.
Asked on Thursday, September 24, in Córdoba, Luis Planas said he respected the results of the Moroccan election. He hopes Madrid will be able to maintain “positive and constructive” relations with the next government, as it did with the previous one. “We’ll see what kind of government is formed,” he added, according to Europa Press.
The minister stressed above all the effort expected from both sides: “Each side should do what is needed” to allow this relationship to continue. In his view, relations between Spain and Morocco go beyond the bilateral framework, as they also connect two continents.
Trade, security and migration on the agenda
Planas cited three areas in which Madrid intends to continue working with Rabat: economic cooperation, security and migration. His remarks come as the migration crisis in Sebta remains a source of tension. On this issue, he said he wanted the city to return to normal operations and to protect the security of its border and its residents.
The minister also addressed a specific trade issue. Health restrictions temporarily halted some Spanish exports of live animals, particularly sheep, and frozen meat to Morocco. Spain’s sector is asking him to step up contacts with the Moroccan authorities in order to resume these sales.
