Both countries sign 20 agreements that develop a roadmap based on trust, compliance with agreements, respect and permanent dialogue

Reunión de Alto Nivel Marruecos-España: Declaración Conjunta

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Morocco and Spain have entered a new phase following the High Level Meeting (HLM) held in Rabat. Both nations have signed some twenty agreements, which "gives an idea of the density and importance that the two countries attach to our relationship", stressed the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, at the end of the plenary session and in the framework of a joint institutional declaration with the head of the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, Aziz Akhannouch.

A Joint Declaration was adopted in which Spain and Morocco reiterated their commitment to the protection and guarantee of human rights as an essential basis for democratic coexistence, the rule of law and good governance, and agreed to strengthen their cooperation in this area in the new stage of bilateral relations. Spain and Morocco also agree to collaborate actively in promoting the flagship initiatives of the European Union's Economic and Investment Plan for the Southern Neighbourhood.

The joint declaration of the HLM between Morocco and Spain is reproduced below:

The XII High Level Meeting between Morocco and Spain was held in Rabat on 2 February 2023, under the joint chairmanship of Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco and Mr. Pedro Sanchez, President of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain.

The Moroccan and Spanish Heads of Government were accompanied by ministerial delegations:
On the Moroccan side:

  • Mr. Aziz AKHANNOUCH, Head of Government
  • Mr. Abdelouafi LAFTIT, Minister of the Interior
  • Mr. Nasser BOURITA, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Resident Abroad
  • Ms. Nadia FETTAH, Minister of Economy and Finance
  • Mr. Nizar BARAKA, Minister of Equipment and Water
  • Mr. Chakib BENMOUSSA, Minister of National Education, Pre-school and Sport
  • Mr. Khalid AIT TALEB, Minister of Health and Social Protection
  • Mr. Mohammed SADIKI, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests
  • Mr. Younes SEKKOURI OUBBAHESSOU, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills
  • Mr. Ryad MEZZOUR, Minister of Industry and Trade
  • Ms. Fatima Zahra AMMOR, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy
  • Mr. Abdellatif MIRAOUI, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation
  • Ms. Leila BENALI, Minister for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development
  • Mr. Mohammed ABDELJALIL, Minister of Transport and Logistics
  • Mr Mohammed Mehdi BENSAID, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication

For the Spanish side

  • Mr. Pedro SANCHEZ, President of the Spanish Government
  • Ms. Nadia CALVIÑO SANTAMARIA, First Vice-President. Minister for Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation
  • Ms. Teresa RIBERA, Third Vice-President. Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge
  • Mr. José Manuel ALBARES BUENO, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation
  • Mr. Fernando GRANDE-MARLASKA, Minister for Home Affairs
  • Ms. Raquel SANCHEZ JIMENEZ, Minister for Transport, Mobility and the Urban Agenda
  • Ms. Pilar ALEGRIA CONTINENTE, Minister for Education and Vocational Training
  • Ms. María REYES MAROTO, Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism
  • Mr. Luis PLANAS PUCHADES, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
  • Mr Miquel ICETA LLORES, Minister for Culture and Sport
  • Ms. Diana MORANT RIPOLL, Minister of Science and Innovation
  • Mr. José Luis ESCRIVA BELMONTE, Minister of Social Security, Inclusion and Migration

1. Morocco and Spain express their commitment to perpetuate the excellent relations that have always united them and reaffirm their desire to enrich them permanently. In this respect, Spain and Morocco place their cooperation within the framework of the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation, and of the enhanced political dialogue arising from the Joint Declaration of 7 April 2002, based on the principles of transparency, permanent dialogue, mutual respect and compliance with the commitments and agreements entered into by both parties, and in which matters of common interest are addressed in a spirit of trust, far from unilateral actions or faits accomplis.

2.    The two sides underline that this High Level Meeting has been an opportunity, on the one hand, to review the objectives of the road map and the satisfactory results achieved; and on the other hand, to renew the determination of the two countries to act jointly to give continuity to this new dynamic, which is necessary for the well-being of the two countries and the prosperity of the region as a whole. In this regard, both sides commended the work carried out within all the Working Groups, all of which are already constituted and operational, and above all the effort made and the commitment shown by both sides, with a view to the The two sides commended the work carried out in all the Working Groups, all of which have already been set up and are operational, and in particular the efforts made and the commitment shown by both sides, with a view to achieving the objectives set out in the aforementioned roadmap, and invited them to continue talks in the framework of these groups.

3.    Spain and Morocco reiterate their commitment to the protection and guarantee of human rights as an essential basis for democratic coexistence, the rule of law and good governance, and agree to strengthen their cooperation in this area in the new phase of bilateral relations.
 
4.    Spain welcomes the dynamic of openness, progress and modernity that Morocco is experiencing, under the active leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, marked, in particular, by the New Development Model, Advanced Regionalisation, the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (SNDD), as well as by the new sphere of action in the area of social solidarity, among others. Spain considers Morocco to be a credible and listened to regional and international actor that plays a decisive role for stability, peace and development in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Sahel-Saharan and African regions.
 
5.    Morocco welcomes Spain's multidimensional international projection and its many contributions to stability, peace and sustainable development at regional and international level. Morocco stresses the importance it attaches to the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second half of 2023, in particular for the deepening of Morocco's privileged relations with the European Union and for the strengthening of Euro-Mediterranean, Euro-Arab and Euro-African relations.
 
6.    Both parties stress the importance of the NATO Summit in Madrid as a historic moment in the Alliance's relationship with the Southern Flank, in which Morocco plays an important role through its participation in the Mediterranean Dialogue.
 
7.    Morocco values Spain's role in the framework of the G20 in favour of global economic recovery, as well as its privileged relations with Latin America, the Caribbean and the Ibero-American Community.
 
8.    On the issue of Western Sahara, Spain reiterates the position expressed in the Joint Declaration adopted on 7 April 2022, on the occasion of the meeting between HM King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
 
9.    In the Euro-Mediterranean dimension, the two parties recognise the central role of the Union for the Mediterranean as the only organisation that includes all the countries of the region on an equal footing, and which aims to promote all aspects of the Barcelona Process in a harmonious manner, relying on its organisational structure and a growing budget. In this regard, Spain and Morocco call on all countries of the region to contribute actively to the Euro-Mediterranean process, including through their contributions to the budget of the Union for the Mediterranean.
 
10.    Spain and Morocco will continue to work closely together to develop cooperation between the Council of Europe and Morocco, with the central objective of bringing Moroccan standards closer to European standards in all areas.
 
11.    Spain reiterates its full backing and active support for Morocco's successful national programme with the OECD, which places Morocco at the forefront of cooperation with the Organisation, through accession to its legal instruments and participation in its committees, in support of national economic policies that promote sustainable development.
 
12.    Both parties welcome Morocco's participation, as an associate observer, in the Ibero-American Summits, a testimony to the strength and vigour of the cultural affinities between Morocco and the member countries of the Ibero-American Conference.
 
13.    Spain made a presentation on the candidacy of the city of Malaga to host the 2027 International Exposition on the theme "The urban era: towards a sustainable city".
 
Governance of the Bilateral Partnership
 
14.    The two Governments welcome the work carried out by the Committee in charge of the implementation of the Joint Declaration of 7 April 2022, established in point 16 of the aforementioned Declaration and chaired by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and encourage its continuation.
 
15.    Both countries welcome the signing of declarations and memoranda of understanding on the occasion of this HLM.
 
Diplomatic and strategic dimension
 
16.    The two governments underline their commitment to the preservation and consolidation of the Morocco-EU relationship. They underline their desire to further develop the Advanced Status with the European Union, and consider the forthcoming Association Council as an important opportunity in this regard.
 
17.    Spain and Morocco will collaborate actively in promoting the flagship initiatives of the European Union's Economic and Investment Plan for the Southern Neighbourhood, in particular in co-financing the investments planned by Morocco's Strategic Investment Fund, in supporting and accelerating the green transition, in the development of social protection systems for the most vulnerable groups, in Morocco's participation in the Horizon Europe research programme and in the financing of its digital infrastructure, in the development of renewable energies, and in the Moroccan "Green Generation" initiative for the development of rural areas.
 
18.    Both countries underline the importance of fostering cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean and reiterate their commitment to continue building a Common Space of Peace, Prosperity and Integration. They welcome their cooperation in the framework of the Western Mediterranean "5+5" Dialogue.
 
19.    Spain and Morocco reaffirm their commitment to the work of the OSCE Mediterranean Partners Cooperation Group, which brings together 63 countries from three continents around a comprehensive concept of security.
 
20.    The two sides renewed their commitment to peace and stability, sustainable development and human rights, particularly in the framework of the United Nations. They underlined their particular commitment to the fight against international terrorism, which is fundamental to security and stability in the Euro-Mediterranean region and globally. The two countries are determined to strengthen their cooperation in the fight against terrorism. They will continue to work together in the framework of the United Nations to develop international efforts in the fight against terrorism and its financing.
 
21.    Both countries express their deepest condemnation of terrorist acts, whether inside or outside their territories, as well as any form of violence against the rights and freedoms of citizens. Spain and Morocco welcome the results achieved in the fight against terrorism.
 
22.    Both countries agree to intensify their cooperation in the field of the fight against irregular migration, border control, the fight against networks and the readmission of irregular migrants. Both countries underline that the fight against criminal networks of irregular migration must call on the responsibility of neighbouring countries, countries of origin and the EU to tackle this phenomenon.
 
23.    Both countries recognise the many positive contributions that migrant communities make to both host countries and their countries of origin. They are fully committed to combating all forms of racism, xenophobia and any other form of discrimination against immigrant populations.
 
24.    Spain welcomes the effective operational cooperation with Morocco on circular and regular migration, which has become an international model.
 
25.    The two Governments note the importance of the efforts made in the field of migration, in particular in the framework of the Marrakech Pact and the Rabat Process. They reiterate their common commitment to dynamic mobility allowing the smooth and orderly movement of people.
 
26. Both sides welcome the spirit of understanding and cooperation that presided over their participation in the Ministerial Conference of the Rabat Process, held in Cadiz on 13 and 14 December 2022, which was marked by the coordination of the handover of the consecutive presidencies between the two countries, as agreed in the Joint Declaration of 7 April 2022.
 
27. They also welcome their collaboration and coordination during the post-pandemic transit operation "Operation Crossing the Strait/Marhaba" in 2022. This joint operation has facilitated the movement of almost 3 million people and 700,000 vehicles, converting people and 700,000 vehicles, making it one of the largest people movement management programmes in the world.
 
Economic dimension
 
28.    The two Parties noted with satisfaction the remarkable development of the economic partnership between Morocco and Spain, which has given new impetus to trade exchanges, favoured by geographical proximity and in line with the reconfiguration of the world geopolitical context. They also expressed their willingness to deepen these exchanges, aiming at a greater and mutually beneficial integration of value chains, stimulating economic development and the well-being of citizens.
 
29.    Spain remains Morocco's main trading partner since 2012. Morocco is also Spain's third largest partner outside the EU.
 
30.    Both countries are committed to promoting trade and investment, for the implementation of joint development projects in the framework of a mutually beneficial partnership, taking advantage of the New Investment Charter that Morocco has just enacted, adapted to institutional, economic, social and political transformations, and with the aim of making Morocco an international investment destination, offering real opportunities in strategic sectors.
 
31.    In order to build on the excellent state of economic and trade relations between Morocco and Spain and boost bilateral trade and investment to unprecedented levels, it is agreed to initial the existing Financial Protocol by doubling the resources available to a total of EUR 800 million. Reimbursable and non-reimbursable financial instruments will be used to support projects of priority interest to be developed by the Government of Morocco, especially in the fields of infrastructure, renewable energies, water and sanitation, educational and health facilities and productive sectors.
 
32.    The parties stress the importance of cooperation on projects for decarbonising the economy, which offers great potential for investors: renewable energy projects, energy efficiency strategy.
 
33.    Both sides also agree on the need to further develop connectivity and infrastructure, and to facilitate mobility between the two countries. In this regard, they welcome the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in the field of infrastructure and transport, aimed at strengthening sectoral cooperation.
 
34. Morocco and Spain welcome the holding of the Economic Forum organised in the margins of the High Level Meeting between the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE).
 
35.        Both parties also welcome the work carried out by the Morocco-Spain Economic Council (CEMAES), an important pillar in bringing together the business community of both countries and in strengthening bilateral economic relations, promoting better synergy between economic operators.
 
36.    Both parties express their satisfaction for the excellent collaboration in the port field and for the mutual efforts undertaken in the field of transport infrastructure to improve connectivity between the two countries, and welcome the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on infrastructure between the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda of the Kingdom of Spain and the Ministry of Equipment and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco.
 
37.    Both Parties welcomed their excellent collaboration in the field of water and reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening it, in particular in the field of desalination, integrated management of water resources and wastewater reuse, and welcomed the signature of the following three Cooperation Agreements:

  1. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge and the Ministry of Equipment and Water;
  2. Memorandum of Understanding between ABH Loukkos and the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura, which will update the statement of intent of 2015;
  3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Tensift River Basin Agency and the Guadalquivir River Basin Authority.

Spain and Morocco welcome the signing in April 2019 of a Memorandum of Understanding for the promotion of collaborative activities in Meteorology and Climatology between the Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM) of Morocco and the State Meteorological Agency of Spain (AEMET), in the framework of which an Action and Implementation Plan has been established and will be launched immediately.

 
38.    Both countries, aware of the need to respond to the current climate emergency and the disastrous impact of the summer of 2022, reiterate their commitment to the Paris Agreement and its objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C and promoting fair and resilient development.
 
39.    Spain and Morocco recognise the importance of fostering collaboration on climate change adaptation solutions and promoting effective prevention, anticipation and adaptation measures to increase resilience to drought. In this context, they will build on the spaces already created with the International Drought Resilience Alliance for a more coordinated and collaborative global response, and by the World Meteorological Organisation's SOFF initiative for the establishment of early warning systems.
 
40.    Spain and Morocco are committed to deepening cooperation in civil protection, which has great potential for the implementation of joint actions, especially in risk prevention, training of human resources and exchange of knowledge and experience.
 
41. Taking into account the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain and Morocco undertake to implement modern management of border controls.
 
42.    The two parties reiterate their commitment to the full normalisation of the movement of people and goods in an orderly manner, including appropriate land and maritime customs and people control arrangements. The parties take into account the conclusions of the pilot test of 27 January and will continue this series of tests according to the agreed timetable to overcome any possible eventuality.
 
43.    The two countries welcome the excellent bilateral cooperation in the field of transport, in particular of goods, as demonstrated by the results of the Joint Commission on this issue.
 
44.    The two parties undertake to continue to make progress in the exchange of experiences and good practices in the field of road safety policies, and to organise an annual meeting on road safety alternately in each country.
 
45. Morocco and Spain welcome the signature by:

  1. Morocco, Spain, Portugal, France and Germany, on 8 November 2022, of the "SET Road Map", which aims to integrate the renewable electricity markets of the respective countries.
  2. Morocco and the EU, of a "Green Partnership" Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation on energy, the fight against climate change, environmental protection and the promotion of the green economy.

46.    Both parties agree to deepen cooperation in the agricultural field by formalising bilateral technical cooperation in various areas, such as exchanges in education, vocational training and agricultural advice, the promotion of agricultural investment, the exchange of experiences in the field of sanitary and phytosanitary safety, research in the field of water saving, the extension of decentralised cooperation, and the development of Moroccan-Spanish triangular cooperation in favour of African countries, among others. The existing memorandum has been updated to extend its scope to plant health, thus giving the necessary coverage to this important area of work.
 
47.    Spain and Morocco recognise the need to continue promoting bilateral and multilateral initiatives in the field of science and innovation, and to strengthen the Mediterranean Research and Innovation Programme in order to continue working together on aspects related to agri-food and the sustainable use of water.
 
48.    The two sides welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on tourism during the High Level Meeting, which will give a new impetus to tourism cooperation relations between the two countries, in particular in the areas of promotion, investment, competitiveness, sustainability and quality, territorial development, as well as in the field of decentralised cooperation, and the monitoring and analysis of tourism activity.
 
49.    The two Parties also took note of the positive balance of bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism, as part of the follow-up to the implementation of the recommendations of the High Level Meeting, and agreed to capitalise on the achievements and continue this dynamic of development in the field of tourism.
 
50. Both parties agree to continue development cooperation, renewing the sectors and instruments of Spanish Cooperation within the framework of the New Development Model of the Kingdom of Morocco.
 
The cultural dimension and human ties
 
51.    The two countries welcome the organisation by the Kingdom of Morocco, in November 2022 in Fez, of the 9th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, which was an opportunity to highlight the universality of its values.
 
52.    Spain and Morocco, which share a unique cultural and human heritage, are called upon to develop a new "human network" (town twinning, partnerships between universities, student mobility, joint actions of associations, creation of study committees and research institutes, etc.), with the aim of achieving an inclusive partnership at the service of all. The communities of nationals living in the two countries contribute to the mutual understanding of the societies.
 
53.    Aware of the essential role of education, culture and sport in bringing peoples closer together, Spain and Morocco agree to place exchanges in these fields at the heart of their cooperation relations.
 
54.    In the field of education, the parties undertake to promote the exchange of documentation relating to school curricula in force, in order to facilitate the accreditation and recognition of teaching and diplomas issued to pupils.
 
55.    Both sides will strengthen their collaboration to promote student mobility. The Spanish side will study measures to simplify administrative procedures for Moroccan students in Spain.
 
56.    Both parties will take the necessary measures to encourage Spanish public and private universities, whose university offer is today strongly oriented towards internationalisation and whose universities host more than 20,000 African students benefiting from more than 11,000 scholarships, to open branches in Morocco.
 
57.    Both parties welcome the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on university cooperation, as well as the ongoing discussions to facilitate reciprocal access for university students from each of the signatory parties.
 
58.    The two parties undertake to promote their cooperation in the field of sport, in particular in the areas of community sport, integration through sport and high level sport.
 
59.    Both parties welcome the excellence of their collaboration in the implementation of the Programme for the Teaching of Arabic Language and Moroccan Culture in Spain, and undertake to strengthen it by providing it with the necessary human and material resources. In this regard, both parties agree on the need to adopt an agreement exclusively related to this programme, which will serve as a basis for its improvement and guarantee its sustainability.
 
60.    Both sides are satisfied with the exchanges that have taken place since the last HLM in the field of cultural cooperation. Both sides have requested the holding of the 7th session of the Joint Cultural and Educational Commission, established under the Cultural Agreement between the Governments of the two countries, signed in Rabat on 14 October 1980, which has not met since 2003.
 
61.    The two countries note the dynamism of the Spanish language in Morocco and undertake to reinforce the learning of the Spanish language in Moroccan schools, colleges and institutes and to request the drawing up of a joint action plan to actively support the establishment of bilingual sections in the Moroccan education system at all levels, primary, secondary and higher, in application of the Memorandum of Understanding signed for this purpose, as well as a training programme in Spanish as a language of instruction for Moroccan teachers.
 
62.    The General Secretariat of the Kingdom of Morocco, through its Official Printing Office, and the Ministry of the Presidency, Relations with the Courts and Democratic Memory, through the State Agency Official State Gazette, will establish cooperation for the exchange of information, knowledge and successful practical experience regarding the digital production of legislative and regulatory texts and their electronic distribution. The specific content and practical arrangements for this cooperation will be the subject of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Spanish State Agency Official State Gazette and the Official Moroccan Printing Office.
 
63.    Both parties have agreed to strengthen their cooperation on digital transformation, support for improving the quality of public services to citizens, digital training for civil servants and gender mainstreaming in the civil service.
 
64.    In the scientific field, Spain and Morocco welcome the progress made in cooperation, as demonstrated by the Memorandum signed to maintain close collaboration in the scientific, technological and innovation fields, thus promoting and strengthening joint activities in the framework of existing joint initiatives.
 
65.    Both sides agree to increase cooperation in the fields of media and institutional communication, in particular through the elaboration of a Memorandum of Understanding.
 
66.    The two sides agree to initiate the updating of the film co-production agreement signed in 1998 and to elaborate an audiovisual co-production agreement reflecting the expectations of both sides.
 
67.    The parties express their interest in cooperating to ensure the protection of copyright and related rights in all areas, by bringing their respective competent bodies into contact and exchanging experience and information, in particular on the impact of new technologies. The Moroccan side expresses its interest in concluding a reciprocal representation agreement between the Moroccan Copyright Office and its Spanish counterpart.
 
68.    Morocco and Spain welcome the exemplary relations in the field of employment, labour and vocational training. The two Parties also welcome the strengthening of the legal framework governing their bilateral cooperation through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding on the management and governance of migration and on safe, orderly and regular migratory movements.
 
69.    Both sides share objectives and interests in the field of social protection that can lead to the establishment of extensive technical co-operation relations that strengthen their social security systems, and such co-operation can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, best practices and technical research. Possible agreements between the parties will facilitate the establishment of stable and fluid frameworks for collaboration in the field of social security, on the basis of which technical co-operation activities will be developed in identified areas of common interest.
 
70.    Both sides undertake to work closely together to establish an operational action plan in relation to the various actions included in these legal instruments. Both sides agree to further strengthen their co-operation by exploring the possibility of concluding an agreement for the exchange of young professionals with a view to promoting the inter-business mobility of these young people and thus contributing to the mutual enrichment of skills. The Spanish side noted with great interest the consultations on the elaboration of a National Strategy for International Professional Mobility (ENMPI), which will reflect Morocco's own vision on the management of professional migratory flows, and expressed its willingness to collaborate in the implementation of this project.
 
71.    Both parties underlined the importance of holding the meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee provided for in the Labour Agreement of 25 July 2001 as soon as possible.
 
72.    In the field of Vocational Training, both parties have established a common frame of reference to promote cooperation, sharing experiences of the Spanish training model and catalogue, with the aim of promoting professional insertion and entrepreneurship.
 
73.    Both sides welcome the fruitful and diverse co-operation in the field of Health that has been achieved, over time, at bilateral, regional and multilateral level, and agree to carry forward and reinforce the projects initiated previously.
 
74.    In the common pursuit of further development of this Partnership, both sides welcome the signature of the Declaration of Intent in the field of Health Security.

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