Due to the geographical proximity and the depth of historical ties, relations between Morocco and Spain are based on common strategic interests, affirmed the Moroccan ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich.
Speaking Friday evening in Madrid during a conference under the theme: “Morocco-Spain relations: historical keys and current challenges”, Ms. Benyaich stressed that “the links between the two Kingdoms are based on fruitful cooperation and permanent dialogue , based on mutual respect and an ambitious roadmap.”
The diplomat insisted, in this context, on the central role of complementarity and diversity in the consolidation of this exemplary relationship, which affects all strategic sectors.
To illustrate the solidity and density of economic relations linking the two countries, Ms. Benyaich noted that Morocco is Spain’s third trading partner outside the EU after the United States and the United Kingdom, and that it welcomes nearly 1,000 Spanish companies among the 20,000 having regular trade with the Kingdom, with investments of 2 billion euros generating around 20,000 jobs in strategic sectors.
At the same time, Moroccan companies, including major players like OCP, are intensifying their investments in Spain, reflecting economic dynamism based on complementarity and contributing to the mutual prosperity of the two countries, she added.
Ms. Benyaich also highlighted the boom in trade between Morocco and Spain, marked by more than 260 weekly flights, 60 daily maritime connections and a record 3 million Spanish visitors in 2024, representing an increase of 16%. compared to the previous year and confirming Spain as the second source market for tourists to Morocco.
On the educational level, “nearly 12,000 Moroccan students continue their studies in Spain, representing 10% of foreign students in the Iberian country,” she indicated, adding that Morocco is home to the largest network of Cervantes institutes in the world. world, which contributes to the strengthening of cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The diplomat also highlighted the great scope of the joint project of the tripartite organization by Morocco, Spain and Portugal of the 2030 World Cup, an unprecedented initiative which connects Europe and Africa as well as the North and South of the Mediterranean and which testifies to the mutual trust and harmony between the governments of the three countries.
Ms. Benyaich noted that these facts reflect the growing importance and complementarity between Morocco and Spain, establishing a multidimensional and exemplary strategic partnership, which contributes to the stability and prosperity of the Mediterranean and Atlantic region.
-For his part, the Spanish historian, Víctor Morales Lezcano, highlighted the depth of the historical ties uniting Morocco and Spain, emphasizing their central role in the configuration of their current relations.
In a statement to MAP, he noted that “mutual understanding between the two nations is based on better mutual knowledge of their respective histories. This approach is fundamental to laying the foundations for even closer and lasting cooperation,” he said.
Mr. Lezcano also retraced the major stages of the common history between Morocco and Spain, emphasizing the importance of intellectual and cultural exchanges to strengthen their relations and enhance the historical ties that unite them in the cultural fields. , economic and political.
For his part, the head of the department of Hispanic studies at the Mohammed 1st University of Nador, Hassan Arabi, praised the fundamental role of academicians in the consolidation of bilateral relations between Morocco and Spain.
“Moroccan and Spanish academics, through their research and their participation in this type of event, contribute significantly to better mutual understanding by dispelling preconceived ideas through raising awareness among the different components of society in the two countries,” said he declared.
Mr. Arabi also underlined the importance of maintaining strong ties with the Moroccan community established in Spain, in order to strengthen cultural and human exchanges, which are essential to consolidate these bilateral relations.
This conference, held at the prestigious Ateneo de Madrid cultural center, took place in the presence of an audience of experts and researchers who highlighted the importance of mutual understanding and the promotion of cultural and intellectual exchanges as essential levers to consolidate relations between Morocco and Spain.
