Spain’s Opposition Leader Urges Sanchez to Repair Morocco Relations After Foreign Minister’s Exit

The opposition leader declared from Melilla that the dismissal of Laya from Sanchez’s government is proof that foreign policy has been a "disaster", reports El Confidencial Digital. Pablo Casado recalled that for three years, his party has been asking the government to maintain "good diplomatic relations" with Morocco, while continuing to "firmly defend the Spanish character of Ceuta and Melilla" and "the integrity" of the Spanish borders. "In this foreign policy, we must improve bilateral relations with Morocco which affect the customs of Melilla and the transit of goods in the two autonomous cities," he said.

To read: Spanish Opposition Parties Urge Government to Strengthen Ties with Morocco on Security and Immigration

According to the PP president, relations with Rabat must be restored to allow the resumption of cooperation in areas such as fishing and agriculture, the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and human trafficking. Casado also committed to working on the implementation of the strategic plan for the economic revival of Ceuta and Melilla, which involves among other things the integration of the two autonomous cities into the Schengen area, a specific tax regime and strengthening of border security in collaboration with Frontex.