Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares affirmed on Wednesday that cooperation between Madrid and Rabat has reached unprecedented levels, describing bilateral relations as being at “their best historical moment.”
In an address to the Congress of Deputies devoted to foreign policy, Albares said that both countries are advancing steadily across several strategic fields, including security, mobility, migration management, and the economic, commercial, and cultural sectors. He emphasized that this multidimensional progress reflects the mutual trust that now characterizes Spanish-Moroccan relations.
Albares highlighted that bilateral trade reached a historic record of more than €22 billion in 2024, marking an increase of nearly 10% compared with 2023. The momentum has continued in 2025, with the first nine months alone totaling €17 billion in exchanges. Spain remains Morocco’s leading trading partner, while the Kingdom stands as the top African destination for Spanish exports and the third-largest global market for Spanish companies.
According to Albares, more than 5,000 Spanish companies export regularly to Morocco, and 1,400 firms import goods from the Kingdom, generating thousands of jobs in both countries. Spanish investments in Morocco have now surpassed €2.3 billion, making Morocco the leading African destination for Spanish capital and contributing to the creation of over 25,000 jobs.
The minister also praised the results of joint migration cooperation, which has led to a 60% reduction in irregular arrivals to the Canary Islands. Citing Frontex data, he noted that the migration route jointly managed by Spain and Morocco now has the lowest irregular migration rates in Europe.
Albares recalled that the recent High-Level Meeting held in Madrid resulted in the signing of 14 cooperation agreements in key sectors, including digital technology, justice, social protection, combating hate speech, education, sports, agriculture, fisheries, and diplomatic coordination. He said these agreements reflect the strategic depth of bilateral ties and the shared vision guiding the partnership.
On the 2030 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, the Spanish diplomat stressed that the tournament represents a “wide range of opportunities” in investment and infrastructure. He urged economic actors on both sides of the Mediterranean to capitalize on the momentum generated by this global event.
Albares also pointed to the strong human bonds uniting the two nations. He emphasized the high degree of integration of the Moroccan community in Spain, as well as the presence of 20,000 Spanish nationals living in Morocco, who benefit from an extensive network of Cervantes schools and cultural institutes.
The minister concluded that the current trajectory of Spanish-Moroccan cooperation is setting the foundations for a long-term strategic partnership that continues to deliver concrete benefits for both societies.
