Spain's Prime Minister meets Morocco's King as bilateral ties strengthen

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met with Moroccan King Mohammed VI in Rabat Wednesday as part of a working visit, highlighting the deepening cooperation between the two Mediterranean nations.

The Moroccan monarch and Spanish Prime Minister reaffirmed their commitment to the principles governing the longstanding relations between Madrid and Rabat, including trust mutual respect, good neighbourliness and respect for commitments, according to a statement from Morocco’s Royal Court.

Wednesday’s meeting come nearly a year after the two leaders met and issued a joint declaration in April 2023 which established a closer bilateral relationship and opened a new chapter in relations, ending a period of friction.

The King and the Spanish Prime Minister discussed specific opportunities for Spanish-Moroccan cooperation including the preparations to jointly host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, together with Portugal.

Prime Minister Sanchez also reiterated "Spain’s support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative as a viable solution to the Western Sahara dispute." King Mohammed VI expressed his gratitude for “Spain’s constructive stance on the matter.”

Looking to the broader region, the Spanish Prime Minister lauded Morocco’s strategic initiatives including the Atlantic Gas Pipeline project and enhanced cooperation among African countries bordering the Atlantic.

Sanchez, accompanied by Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, met earlier Wednesday with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.