It is in the interest of Morocco, Spain to consolidate relations, Spanish official

Spain's general consul in Casablanca, Jose Rosello, has said his country and Morocco are "doomed to get along with each other" and "it is in their own interest to consolidate bilateral relations."

"The existence of problems between countries that are so close and complementary is normal," the Spanish diplomat underlined in an interview with the Moroccan weekly "La Verite," adding nevertheless that "there is a resolve to improve these relations."

Of Spanish investments in Morocco, the diplomat explained that there is a flow of Spanish investors who are particularly interested in fisheries, tourism, transport, services and real estate.

In a related development, Spanish deputy of the Socialist Labor Party (PSOE), Consuelo Romi, told Arab daily "asharq Al-Awsat," illegal immigration must be dealt with as a priority issue in Moroccan-Spanish relations and that the European Union should get involved to find an adequate solution.

Romi added that thousands of Moroccan workers live and work in Spain, underscoring that "we are not against the rise of this number as long as the country needs a labor power." The Spanish legislator said, nonetheless, it is crucial for Moroccan immigrants to settle in the country in a legal way.

He also called on the European Union to assist Morocco reinforce its security measures along the shores and supply it with the latest technologies in this realm.