Spain's La Oliva, Laayoune Strengthen Cooperation, Push for Maritime Link
Doha – A Spanish delegation from La Oliva municipality in Fuerteventura arrived in Laayoune on Tuesday to explore collaborative ventures in tourism, commerce, and culture. La Oliva Mayor Isai Blanco Marrero led the visiting team during their official engagement.
The delegation sought to deepen economic and cultural relations between Fuerteventura and Morocco's southern provinces. Following discussions with Abdeslam Bekrate, Wali of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Mayor Blanco addressed the press about their strategic geographical positioning.
'This visit aims to further consolidate economic and cultural cooperation between Fuerteventura and Morocco's southern provinces given their strategic positions, as a gateway to Africa for the Canary Islands,' Blanco Marrero told reporters.
He discussed Fuerteventura's economic foundation in agriculture, maritime fishing, and tourism, drawing attention to the striking similarities between the Canary Islands and Morocco's southern territories in terms of climate conditions, population demographics, and available natural resources.
The mayor articulated his commitment to fostering productive bilateral cooperation, particularly through the development and implementation of local and regional programs where mutual benefits could be realized.
At Laayoune municipality, the Spanish delegates attended a comprehensive presentation detailing the commune's development initiatives and ongoing projects established under the new development framework for southern provinces inaugurated by King Mohammed VI in 2015. The session also clarified the critical role played by the elected council in managing local affairs.
Mohamed Jifer, Director of the Regional Investment Center (CRI), provided the delegation with an in-depth analysis of the region's economic landscape. His data-supported presentation covered the area's productive sectors from fishing and agricultural activities to renewable energy developments, with particular attention to the substantial potential for green hydrogen production and its derivatives.
Read also: Occitanie Region Becomes First in France to Partner with Morocco's Dakhla
Jifer's briefing encompassed the region's macroeconomic indicators, competitive advantages, diverse land offerings, multi-sectoral project portfolios, and various structural developments shaping the territory. He also elaborated on the CRI's expanded responsibilities and its function in promoting regional investment opportunities.
Both Moroccan and Spanish representatives stressed the necessity of restoring the maritime connection between Tarfaya port and Fuerteventura. According to them, this route would serve as a catalyst for commercial exchanges between Morocco and the Canary Islands, opening new economic channels across the Atlantic.
'This maritime link represents not only a means to connect two geographical points, but also a true economic bridge enhancing integration between the Moroccan region and the Spanish islands,' reported Canarian media sources.
Blanco reflected on the profound historical bonds uniting the regions. 'Many of our island's inhabitants lived and were born in the Sahara during Spanish rule. Therefore, a deep human and historical connection exists between us, and today we seek to strengthen it,' the mayor remarked.
Throughout their stay, the Spanish officials conducted extensive field visits to numerous socio-educational facilities, economic enterprises, cultural institutions, and sports complexes. These tours allowed them to directly observe the sustained development efforts transforming the region into an integrated economic hub.
This visit follows last October's commitment by Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, who reaffirmed his government's support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara during a session of the regional parliament. Clavijo had previously declared during his visit to Rabat that his government fully aligns with Spain's policy regarding the region.
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