On April 17, 2025, Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Foreign Minister, and José Manuel Albares Bueno, Spain’s Foreign Minister, met in Madrid to reaffirm their countries’ strong diplomatic and economic ties. The meeting underscored a continued commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, with a particular focus on increasing trade and fostering further cooperation between Morocco and Spain.
Ongoing Support Despite Legal Setbacks
The talks came despite the European Court of Justice’s October 2024 decision, which invalidated two trade agreements between Morocco and the European Union. The ruling, which concerned the issue of the Sahara’s self-determination, did not deter Spain from advocating for closer cooperation with Morocco. Spain continues to push for stronger ties between the EU and Morocco, emphasizing the mutual benefits that such cooperation brings to both regions.
José Manuel Albares reiterated Spain’s position, highlighting Morocco’s “privileged status” with the EU and stressing Spain’s desire to further strengthen these ties. He also called for the swift establishment of an EU-Morocco council to formalize and expand the strategic partnership between the two entities.
A Relationship at Its “Best Moment”
Nasser Bourita expressed Morocco’s satisfaction with the current state of its relationship with Spain, calling it the “best moment” for cooperation between the two countries. Bourita noted that Morocco is keen on deepening its partnership with Spain and welcoming increased investments from Spanish businesses, which could further boost Morocco’s economic development and regional influence.
Since 2022, under the leadership of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Spain has significantly improved its diplomatic relations with Morocco. This includes Spain’s strong support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a critical issue for Morocco’s foreign policy. The shifting dynamics around this issue have provided a new foundation for constructive dialogue between the two nations.
A Symbol of Renewed Cooperation: The 2030 World Cup
One of the key topics discussed was the preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will co-host. This historic event will serve as a symbol of the strengthened cooperation among the three countries. Among the projects associated with the World Cup is the construction of the Hassan II stadium in Casablanca, an ambitious infrastructure development aimed at boosting Morocco’s profile on the global stage.
Conclusion: A Deepening Partnership
The meeting between Bourita and Albares signals a further deepening of Morocco-Spain relations, which have strengthened in recent years despite geopolitical challenges. As both countries continue to navigate issues such as the Western Sahara and European integration, their growing economic ties and shared strategic interests offer a promising future for bilateral cooperation. With the 2030 World Cup on the horizon and increased investments on the table, Spain and Morocco are poised to strengthen their partnership even further in the coming years.