Moroccan-Spanish relations discussed at highest level in Madrid
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/2/2000

Moroccan-Spanish relations and issues of mutual concern were discussed Wednesday in Madrid by King Mohammed VI and King Juan Carlos.

King Mohammed VI, who paid a short private visit to Spain Wednesday, held tete-a-tete talks with King Juan Carlos before the meeting was enlarged to the Spanish prime minister and foreign minister, Jose Maria Aznar and Abel Matutes, and director of the Moroccan sovereign's office, Mohamed Rochdi Chraibi.

Talks also covered regional issues.

Sources close to the Spanish royal household said through this private visit, King Mohammed VI wanted to express thanks to the Spanish sovereigns, people and government for their support after the demise of the late King Hassan II last July. King Mohammed VI, who was guest to a luncheon hosted in his honor by the Spanish royal couple at the Lazarzuela, palace flew back home in the afternoon.

The royal visit was termed by Spanish Foreign Minister Abel Matutes "a very friendly gesture towards Spain," and Spanish media lavishly commented on the royal trip that it described as "important" in view of the difficult juncture bilateral relations are going through.

Relations between Morocco and Spain have experienced during the past months problems related to the issue of fisheries--after Morocco refused to renew the fisheries accord with the European Union when it expired last November-- the marketing of Moroccan tomatoes in the EU countries, the recent incidents in El-Egido where Moroccan immigrants were prey to racist acts, and the Spanish premier's controversial trip to Sebta and Melillia, two northern Moroccan cities still under Spanish rule.

The Moroccan community settled in Spain is estimated at some 140,896 people.

Previous Stories:
  King Mohammed'svisit to Spain is a very friendly gesture, Matutes says   (3/1/2000)
  King Mohammed on private visit to Spain Wednesday   (2/29/2000)
  Polisario has never been Sahrawis' legitimate representative, sociologist says   (2/26/2000)

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