Spanish PM Meets Moroccan King, Discusses Migration, Western Sahara, and Israel-Hamas Conflict

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Moroccan King Mohammed VI in Rabat, discussing cooperation on migration management, expressing support for Moroccos autonomy plan for Western Sahara, and calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Sánchez also emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid and defended the role of UNRWA in the Middle East.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Moroccan King Mohammed VI in Rabat on Wednesday, February 22, to discuss various issues of mutual interest, including migration management, the Western Sahara conflict, and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Cooperation on Migration

Prime Minister Sánchez commended the cooperation between Spain and Morocco in managing migration. He highlighted the importance of ensuring access to humanitarian aid for migrants and refugees, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Sánchez specifically mentioned the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and Spain's support for the agency's work.

Western Sahara Autonomy Plan

Sánchez reiterated Spain's position in support of Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara region. This stance, announced two years ago, has contributed to warmer relations between the two countries. Spain was among the five countries that offered assistance to Morocco following a devastating earthquake in September 2022.

Call for Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas Conflict

Prime Minister Sánchez also called for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began in October 2022. He emphasized the need to guarantee access to humanitarian aid and expressed support for the work of UNRWA in providing assistance to Palestinian refugees.

Spike in Migration to Canary Islands

Sánchez addressed the recent spike in migration to the Canary Islands, which has become a focal point of debate and protests in Europe regarding agricultural regulations and imports. Morocco has been actively working to prevent border crossings to Spain's North African exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, as well as boat crossings through the Strait of Gibraltar. However, boat landings on the Canary Islands, located off the Moroccan coastline, have increased significantly this year.

Close Business and Political Ties

Spain and Morocco maintain close business and political ties, with Moroccans forming the largest foreign community in Spain. Spain is also Morocco's largest foreign investor. Prime Minister Sánchez's previous visit to Morocco occurred in February 2023, but he did not meet with King Mohammed VI at that time.

Protests in Madrid

Sánchez's visit to Morocco coincided with ongoing protests in Madrid, where demonstrators expressed their discontent over certain policies perceived as financial burdens and leading to higher prices for domestic products compared to imports from outside the European Union, including tomatoes from Morocco, which is the leading importer of tomatoes in Europe.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Sánchez's meeting with King Mohammed VI covered a range of important issues, including migration management, the Western Sahara conflict, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the recent spike in migration to the Canary Islands. The discussions highlighted the close cooperation between Spain and Morocco and the ongoing challenges they face in addressing these complex matters.