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The two new leaders of Morocco and Spain have met for the first time as Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy flew in from Madrid.
Rajoy is in Rabat to talk about immigration, agriculture, and the hot subject, fishing.
Spain is Morocco’s second-biggest foreign investor after France, and its waters are very important for Spain’s key fishing industry. 80% of boats operating in Moroccan waters are Spanish.
This is why Madrid was dismayed in December when Brussels suspended an EU fishing agreement with Morocco, and the Spanish boats had to sail home.
Spain has demanded compensation for its fishing fleet, and wants a renegotiation of the fishing deal. Morocco however wants ratification of a clause in the deal allowing agricultural exchanges. Spain has resisted this, fearing a tidal wave of cheap Moroccan produce.
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