Moroccan-Spanish ties too strong to be affected by fleeting tensions, ambassador

Moroccan-Spanish relationships are strong enough to overcome fleeting tensions, Spanish Ambassador to Rabat, Fernando Arias Salgado, told Moroccan weekly in Spanish "La Manana."

The Spanish diplomat who resumed his office in Rabat in February after an 15-month diplomatic rift said the relationships between the two countries can not be influenced by a diplomatic friction, affirming his country seeks a future of friendship and cooperation (with Morocco). Rabat and Madrid have "no right to waste any more time," he said.

The break in diplomatic and political dialogue has yielded no negative impact on cultural, trade or social exchanges, he said, adding that these exchanges and the deep human links between the Moroccan and Spanish peoples are more significant than diplomatic ones.

The diplomat announced preparations for work visits to Morocco by some members of the Spanish government to develop with Moroccan authorities a concrete cooperation program.

Salgado voiced his country's will to increase its exchanges with Morocco, currently valued at some US$ 41 million annually.

The Spanish ambassador also said he is looking forward to the two countries' prime ministers meeting this year to consolidate Morocco-Spain reconciliation for a future of peace, progress and prosperity for the two peoples.