El rey Mohamed VI desea una pronta recuperación al rey Felipe VI tras su positivo en COVID-19
The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, has sent a message to the Spanish monarch, Felipe VI, wishing him "a speedy recovery and full recovery" following his positive test for coronavirus. Mohammed VI has also conveyed to Felipe VI, whom he considers "a great friend", "his best regards", as well as "the expression of all his affection and consideration".
Felipe VI will remain in isolation for seven days due to his infection. According to the Spanish Royal Court in a statement, the monarch has "mild symptoms". "The general state of health of His Majesty the King is good and he will continue his institutional activity from his residence," the statement said. Queen Letizia and the Infanta Sofia, meanwhile, will continue "with their activities" and will follow the indicated protocol.
At the end of January, on the occasion of the King of Spain's birthday, Mohammed VI sent him a message of congratulations, underlining "the bonds of solid friendship that personally unite the two Sovereigns and the two Royal Courts". The Alawi monarch also expressed "his sincere wishes" for progress and prosperity for the "friendly Spanish people".
These cordial messages follow similar ones issued by King Felipe VI with the aim of strengthening relations between Morocco and Spain after the diplomatic crisis that began in April last year. The statements by the two kings also demonstrate that, despite the political problems, the ties between the two Royal Courts remain intact.
During the traditional reception for the diplomatic corps at the Royal Palace, King Felipe VI expressed his desire to redefine the relationship with Morocco on "stronger and more solid pillars". "Now the two nations must walk together to begin to materialise this new relationship from now on", the Spanish monarch stressed. In this respect, he indicated that the ties with the Maghreb "are of a strategic nature". Later, during the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, Felipe VI and Letizia made a symbolic visit to the Moroccan stand.
Spanish President Pedro Sánchez has added his voice to the friendly messages towards Morocco. The Spanish leader affirmed that the Alawi Kingdom is "a strategic partner with which we must walk together" during a press conference in January. On the other hand, José Manuel Albares, since being sworn in as Foreign Minister, has made efforts to establish a rapprochement with Rabat, making amends for the mistakes made by his predecessor, Arancha González Laya. The former minister backed the entry into Spain of Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, on "humanitarian grounds". Ghali, in addition to leading a movement at odds with Morocco, is accused in Spain of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Even so, Rabat continues to ask Madrid for "a lot of clarity" on the Sahara issue. Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has stressed that countries seeking an alliance with Morocco must express "fidelity to the national cause of the Sahara".
