Spanish FM: Ties with Morocco are more than privileged

Spanish foreign minister, Ana Palacio, said Thursday her country enjoys more than privileged relations with Morocco, a country that has clearly opted for democratic values

"With Morocco, we have complicity relations, more than privileged relations, because we consider it the region's leader in relations with the European Union," the head of the Spanish diplomacy told the Spanish first TV channel (TVE1).

She also cited Morocco as a good example of democratic and stable countries in the region, stressing that it is crucial for the European Union to be surrounded by truly stable, prosperous and democratic countries to share with them several aspects, including preserving justice and security.

She went on that Spain is closely following Morocco's evolution and has a future-oriented vision of ties with the kingdom.

Morocco and Spain, two Mediterranean countries separated by a 14-km strait, resumed normal diplomatic relations last February after a 15-month crisis over Spain's occupation of a Moroccan islet. The two countries have had over the last years tense relations that climaxed when Morocco, angered by a series of anti-Moroccan Spanish attitudes and stands called back its ambassador in October 2001.