Honeymoon between Rabat and Madrid

King Mohammed VI of Morocco received Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Royal Palace in Rabat on Wednesday.

In 2022, Spain and Morocco signed a joint declaration to reinvigorate cooperation after several years of tension. 

Madrid made a significant gesture by recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara, a move appreciated by Rabat but not by Algeria, which supports the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

Rabat speaks of a "new dynamic" between Morocco and Spain. Morocco extols the virtues of a partnership in all areas, "based on the principles of trust, mutual respect, ambition, good neighborliness, and respect for commitments."

Pedro Sanchez reiterated his country's position on the Moroccan autonomy initiative for Western Sahara as the most serious, realistic, and credible basis for resolving the dispute.

The king thanked Spain "for this new constructive and important position." 

This meeting marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Morocco and Spain, signifying a fresh start and renewed cooperation between the two countries.