Spanish fm upbeat about Morocco-Spain future relations

Spain's foreign affairs minister, Ana Palacio voiced on Saturday optimism concerning normalization of Morocco-Spain future relations and the return of ambassadors to their respective posts in Rabat and Madrid.

Morocco called back in October 2001 its ambassador in Madrid to protest against stances adopted by Madrid that were deemed hostile to Moroccan interests. Spain did the same in July 2002, following the Moroccan-Spanish showdown over the Moroccan tiny island of Tourah.

Spain-Morocco's relations "are in the right path, inaugurating a new era," said Palacio, during a press conference in Colambres (Asturias).

She further expressed hope to see Rabat and Madrid normalize their relations "in the foreseeable future," and recalled a meeting, scheduled by the end of this January in Rabat, with Moroccan peer in order to follow up dialogue aiming to further consolidate bilateral relations.

The head of the Spanish diplomacy expressed her country's interest in upgrading relations with other Maghreban states.