Both Spanish and Moroccan media unanimously assert that the current visit of King Juan Carlos to Morocco will boster both economic and political relations between the two kingdoms. In fact, Spanish investors do not make a mistake to confirm that the Moroccan economy, attractive and competitive, has a large room for growth in the future thanks to the reforms undertaken by the Kingdom of Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, but also thanks to its political stability, its geographical proximity and an improving business climate that encourages Spanish investors to settle in Morocco.
It is worth noting that over the last two years, hundreds of Spanish companies, settled in the Moroccan market, in various sectors : construction, services or the electrical industry and the number of Spanish companies in the Moroccan market is estimated to a thousand.
It is therefore clear that the Kingdom of Morocco has become a strategic partner for Spain and the official working visit of King Juan Carlos is the most eloquent proof of commitment and consideration of Spain with regard to Morocco, a neighbor and a friend.
This is why the Spanish Sovereign was accompanied by a large delegation including entrepreneurs but also former foreign ministers such as Javier Solana, Miguel Angel Moratinos and Josep Piqué and Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, Interior, Jorge Fernandez Diaz, Justice, Alberto Ruiz Gallardon, Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, and Equipment, Ana Pastor, which reinforces the historical, political and economic aspects of the visit.
Through this official working visit, the King of Spain would like to express the gratitude of Spain towards Morocco as a friend and an effective ally in matters crucial to Madrid such as terrorism , organized crime, drug trafficking and illegal immigration, the plagues against which the two countries cooperate constantly.
Thus, the interviews will be held between the two sovereigns and the delegations of the two countries during the visit, will not fail to give new impetus to bilateral cooperation, particularly in a challenging international environment marked by upheavals and tensions in many parts of the world.
This visit will also strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual respect uniting Morocco and Spain and confirm, if necessary, the cooperation and understanding between Madrid and Rabat, a model to be followed by other states in the region.
I would add that the invitation of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to King Juan Carlos during the holy month of Ramadan is one more proof of the depth and intensity of the friendship between the two sovereigns. Moreover, the Moroccan Sovereign invited King Juan Carlos on the day of his arrival to his residence for an Iftar (breaking the fast) family.
Undoubtedly, this official visit of King Juan Carlos to Morocco is not seen only as a family reunion in view of the longstanding relations binding the two monarchies but also as an opportunity to explore ways and means of upgrading economic relations between the two countries and partnership between Moroccan and Spanish businessmen and economic operators. Whatever huge the stakes may be for both countries, officials on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar are confident that the two kingdoms have enough assets to make the most of their cooperation, build up a common prosperous future and institute a win-win partnership.
By Said Temsamani
Eurasia Review
