Rabat and Madrid resolved to usher a new era of entente and cooperation, communique
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 4/26/2004

Morocco and Spain on Saturday voiced their "political will and their firm determination to usher a new era of entente and bilateral cooperation based on confidence, solidarity and mutual respect."

In a joint communique released at the end of the short official visit to Casablanca of New Spanish Prime Minister Jose Louis Rodriguze Zapatero, the two countries also vowed to "build exemplary and preferential relations on solid, and organized grounds" and to raise them to a "privileged level of a strategic partnership with as a goal, global security and common progress."

During his visit to Morocco, the first to be paid abroad since his investiture on April 16, Zapatero was received by King Mohammed VI of Morocco and met his Moroccan couterpart Driss Jettou. He also dedicated a memorial of the victims of last May 16 terrorist attacks in Casablanca that killed 45 people, including 4 Spaniards, and the 12 suicide bombers.

The two countries, the communique went on, decided to assess in a "very near future actions undertaken by already set up bilateral working groups." They also reiterated their "commitment to the principles and goals that have guided the Barcelona Process, which remains the common ground for an regional initiative."

In this regard, Spain reiterated its supports to Morocco's demand to be granted an "advanced status" in its relations with the European Union (EU). They also tackled the issue of the "regional integration" in the North African region of the Maghreb (made up of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania) and noted the "importance of an efficient and irreversible construction of the UMA (French acronym for the Maghreb Arab Union) for the strengthening of a Euro-Mediterranean partnership."

They called in this respect for the "adoption of a just and final consensus-based political solution to the Sahara dispute, negotiated by all concerned parties in accordance with the international legality and the United Nations efforts, and affirmed their commitment to contribute to the reaching this goal." The two countries were alluding to the nearly three decade dispute opposing Morocco to the "Polisario." The Algerian-backed separatist movement has been claiming the independence of the Moroccan Sahara, known as Western Sahara, since 1976, a year after Morocco retrieved this former Spanish colony under the 1975 Madrid Accords signed with Spain and Mauritania.

Rabat and Madrid, "aware of the threat of terrorism to peace and security in the world," voiced their "resolve to carry on and strengthen their political and operational cooperation, both at the bilateral and international level to fight any form of hatred, extremism and terrorism," the communique went on.

Concerning economic and financial cooperation, the two countries decided to "activate financial agreements in force," and to "encourage private investment in the field of tourism, industry, energy, and telecommunication."

They equally decided to "promote and diversify" cooperation in the fields of fisheries, scientific research, aquaculture and maritime vocational training.

The vowed to fight "illicit traffic" and illegal immigration while granting a "particular attention" to non-accompanied minor immigrants.

The Spanish side also reiterated its support to Morocco's bid to stage the 2010 World Cup of football. The communique concluded.

Previous Stories:
  Zapatero's visit to Morocco, 'reunion between two nations', Spanish official   (4/24/2004)
  Moroccan-Spanish talks to focus on all issues with new positive approach, Minister   (4/23/2004)
  Spain's position on Sahara issue, similar to UN's, Moratinos   (4/23/2004)

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