Luis Planas: Morocco-Spain relations built on common interests and cooperation
Morocco’s relations with Spain are based on common interests, as well as friendship and cooperation, said Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, on Wednesday in Madrid.
“On the basis of dialogue and consultation, we will continue moving forward” to promote these relations, Mr. Planas added during a business meeting held on the eve of the 13th Spain-Morocco High-Level Meeting.
He noted that this business gathering makes it possible to achieve new progress in areas of shared interest, while strengthening ties between Spanish and Moroccan entrepreneurs and economic actors. He recalled that trade between the two countries has more than doubled over the past decade, particularly in the agricultural sector where it has almost tripled.
He underlined that the 13th Morocco-Spain High-Level Meeting offers an opportunity to continue reinforcing bilateral relations, especially in the agricultural and fisheries sectors, with the objective of consolidating cooperation in research, development, innovation and adaptation to climate change.
Mr. Planas observed in the same vein that the “excellence” and “strength” of bilateral relations form a major pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries, built on friendship, trust and mutual respect.
For the Spanish minister, the partnership between Rabat and Madrid is “essential, both politically and diplomatically, as well as commercially”.
Mr. Planas also highlighted the important role played by Spain and Morocco within their respective regional organizations.
“Within the European Union, Spain advocates cooperation with Morocco based on consensual rules that ensure balanced and lasting relations,” he explained, recalling that Brussels and Rabat have been linked since 2000 by an association agreement that provides a favorable framework for political and commercial dialogue.
Editorial team/le7tv
