“The agriculture and fisheries sectors are very sensitive and very complex. However, this cannot prevent us from discussing together to find solutions and compromise formulas,” Arias Canete said at a press conference after the meeting.
The Spanish minister, who described as “strategic” relations between Rabat and Madrid, stressed that both countries have a common interest in benefiting from the European market, the world’s largest market with half a billion consumers.
He pointed out, in this regard, that trade between Morocco and Spain in 2011 are estimated at seven billion euros.
“Respect for the agriculture free trade agreement between Morocco and the European Union is very important for us,” he said.
On fisheries, the official affirmed that bilateral cooperation relations have got closer and borne fruits after the signing of the first agreement between Morocco and Spain in 1983, before his country joined the EU.
The minister welcomed the democratic progress made by Morocco under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, saying that the Kingdom became a model for Arab and other countries and that Spain strongly supports these reforms.
For his part, Akhannouch said the discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in the field of fisheries.
“We are forward-looking to work in transparency towards protecting this market of 500 million consumers,” he said.
