Revitalizing a Crucial Maritime Link Between Morocco and the Canary Islands
This week, a high-level delegation from Morocco is set to arrive in the Canary Islands to engage in discussions aimed at restoring regular ferry services between the Spanish archipelago and the Moroccan port city of Tarfaya. The reestablishment of this maritime route holds the promise of fortifying economic, commercial, and cultural ties between the two regions.
Leading the Moroccan contingent is Khalid Charkaoui, the Secretary-General of the Transportation Ministry. The delegation has scheduled meetings for Thursday with key figures such as Canaries President Fernando Clavijo and Pablo Rodriguez, the islands' councillor for public works and transportation. Other notable attendees include Angel Victor Torres, the director of Africa relations.
The regional government of the Canary Islands envisions a scenario where passenger and cargo ships ply the relatively short distance between the port cities regularly. Officials have emphasized that breathing new life into this shipping lane will inject vitality into trade and tourism for both Spanish and Moroccan interests, especially after a prolonged period of disruption.
Those familiar with the ongoing discussions express cautious optimism. The COVID-19 pandemic had significantly delayed any potential actions, but with the accelerated pace of vaccinations, obstacles are gradually dissipating. This upcoming series of meetings is poised to address the specifics of restarting regular ferry services along the direct sea route, marking a potential turning point in this collaborative effort.