Spain signals continued cooperation with Morocco on trade, security and migration

08:42

By: Azzat Manal

Spain signals continued cooperation with Morocco on trade, security and migration

Spain has reiterated its interest in maintaining positive and constructive relations with Morocco, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation between the two neighbouring countries in economic, security and migration-related matters.

Spanish Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Luis Planas said on September 24 that he respected the outcome of Morocco’s elections and hoped the next Moroccan government would preserve the positive and constructive relationship established with its predecessor. He described the relationship as strategically important not only for the two countries but also for wider ties between Europe and Africa.

Planas made the comments in Córdoba during the 12th Ibero-American Conference of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers. His remarks came as Madrid and Rabat continued to manage a broad bilateral agenda covering trade, agriculture, security and migration.

The Spanish minister stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation, particularly as the relationship extends beyond traditional bilateral issues. Madrid has repeatedly described Morocco as an important partner in areas including migration management and regional security.

Migration remains one of the most sensitive issues between the two countries following the large-scale arrival of migrants in Ceuta at the end of July. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said that cooperation with Moroccan authorities was essential to the rapid return of tens of thousands of people who entered the enclave during the crisis. Spanish authorities subsequently strengthened border measures and reviewed coordination mechanisms with Morocco.

Planas also referred to the situation in Ceuta, saying that the Spanish government was working to restore security and normal conditions in the enclave. His comments came amid continuing political and administrative debate in Spain over the handling of the July migration crisis.

Economic and agricultural ties remain another major component of the relationship. Spain and Morocco have expanded cooperation in agriculture and fisheries in recent years, including agreements signed during the two countries’ 13th High-Level Meeting in December 2025. Those agreements covered areas such as agricultural innovation, water management, rural development and efforts to combat illegal fishing.

Planas has previously described the relationship with Morocco as strategic and emphasized the importance of the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement as a framework for political dialogue and trade liberalization. Spanish authorities have also highlighted the role of bilateral cooperation in addressing challenges affecting the agricultural and fisheries sectors.

At the same time, some agricultural trade issues remain unresolved. The suspension of certain exports of live animals from Spain to Morocco, including sheep, has affected producers and prompted calls from Spanish agricultural organizations for continued dialogue with Moroccan authorities. These exchanges form part of a wider agricultural relationship involving substantial trade in food and farm products.

The two countries also maintain extensive commercial links beyond agriculture. Spain and Morocco have strengthened business cooperation in areas ranging from manufacturing and logistics to energy and services, while their geographical proximity makes the relationship particularly significant for trade between Europe and North Africa.

Security cooperation is another important element of the bilateral relationship. Spain has emphasized coordination with Morocco on border management, organized crime, terrorism and irregular migration, while the two governments have continued diplomatic contacts following the recent tensions surrounding Ceuta. In September, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Morocco had provided assurances that it would cooperate to prevent another large-scale entry into Ceuta or Melilla.

The latest statements from Madrid therefore point to an effort to preserve cooperation across multiple areas while addressing disagreements through diplomatic channels. For both countries, the scale of their economic, security and migration ties means that regular communication remains central to managing shared challenges.

As Morocco moves forward with the formation of its next government, Spanish officials are expected to continue seeking continuity in bilateral cooperation. The coming months will show how the two governments address outstanding issues while maintaining the broader framework of dialogue that has developed between Rabat and Madrid.