Andalusia region president vows to consolidate spanish-moroccan relations

The President of the Autonomous region of Andalusia (South Spain), Manuel Chaves, who arrived in Rabat this Tuesday expressed hope that his two-day official visit will contribute to the consolidation of Spanish-Moroccan relations.

Rabat and Madrid must develop "full-fledged" cooperation ties to better serve the interests of their peoples, Moroccan and Spanish peoples, he told reporters upon arrival in Rabat-Sale Airport.

"My visit to Morocco is indeed a special moment in both countries' relations, following a critical phase," added the President of Andalusia region alluding to the 15-month long rift that ended in February with the return of Moroccan and Spanish ambassadors to their positions.

The signing of a trans-border development agreement between Morocco and the autonomous government of Andalusia tops Chaves' agenda, who said that this "agreement will be co-financed by Morocco's and Andalusia's governments."

The Moroccan government and Andalusia region will earmark a joint budget of 48 millions Euros for the implementation of these projects.

The trans-border development program comprises seven chapters related mainly to rural and socio-economic fields meant for Morocco's Northern regions and the eastern part of the Kingdom.