His Majesty King Mohammed VI hosted His Excellency Mr Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain, on Wednesday at the Royal Palace in Rabat, as part of Mr Sánchez's working visit to Morocco, according to a statement by the Royal Office.
This visit builds on the renewed stage in bilateral relations initiated by the meeting between His Majesty the King and the President of the Spanish Government in April 2022, and the adoption of the Joint Declaration between the two countries at that time.
The ongoing momentum is characterized by the enhancement of cooperation, coordination, and partnership across various sectors, grounded in principles of trust, mutual respect, ambition, good neighbourliness, and respect for commitments.
During the audience, the President of the Spanish Government reiterated Spain's position, as outlined in the joint declaration of April 2022, regarding the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the most serious, realistic, and credible basis for resolving the dispute.
His Majesty the King expressed appreciation to Spain for this constructive and significant stance.
Both His Majesty the King and His Excellency Mr Pedro Sánchez emphasized the unique cooperation opportunities emerging for the two neighbouring countries. Additionally, the joint organization of the 2030 Football World Cup with Portugal is seen as further strengthening bilateral ties.
The Spanish Government President also acknowledged and emphasized Spain's interest in the strategic initiatives launched by His Majesty the King, particularly the African Atlantic Coastal Initiative, the Royal Initiative to enable Atlantic access for Sahel countries, and the Nigeria-Morocco African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline.
In attendance from the Spanish side were José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, and Emma Aparici, Secretary General of Foreign Affairs at the Presidency of the Government. On the Moroccan side, attendees included Fouad Ali El Himma, HM the King's Advisor, and Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
Upon his arrival at the Royal Palace, the President of the Spanish government was greeted by a detachment of the Royal Guard, who paid honours before he was invited to the traditional ceremony of milk and date offers.