Latest news with #Morocco-Spain
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Spain's PSOE opposes recognition of Polisario documents in nationality bid
In Spain, the lower house is currently reviewing a bill that would grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born during the Spanish colonial era. The proposal, submitted by the far-left coalition Sumar, has sparked intense debate among lawmakers, according to Spanish media reports on Thursday, June 5. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), led by Pedro Sanchez, has demanded that applicants exclude any documents issued by the Polisario Front. Sumar had initially called for the recognition of documents signed by the Polisario and legalized by its representation in Spain. To recall, the lower house agreed on February 25 to examine Sumar's bill, despite PSOE's opposition. Socialist MPs had previously voted against a similar proposal in 2022, submitted by Unidas Podemos lawmakers the year before. In February 2023, the former far-left coalition revived the initiative in protest against a high-level Morocco-Spain meeting in Rabat, held without the participation of its ministers. However, the early general elections on July 23 delayed its examination. The proposal was later reignited in November 2023 by Sumar MP Tesh Sidi, who is of Sahrawi origin.
Maroc
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Maroc
Tarragona Celebrates Morocco's Cultural Richness
Morocco Festival, an event that celebrates the richness of Moroccan heritage in all its diversity and serves as a cultural bridge between the two shores of the Mediterranean, started Friday evening in Tarragona, Spain. Organized by the Consulate General of Morocco in Tarragona in collaboration with the city's municipality, this economic, cultural, and artistic event aims to highlight the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Spain and Morocco—a land of cultural intermingling and a cradle of ancient civilizations. The opening ceremony of the festival, which features a rich and varied program designed to showcase Morocco in all its splendor, was marked by a reenactment of a traditional Moroccan wedding, offering the audience a fascinating journey into the Kingdom's ancestral customs and traditions. The evening was enlivened by a performance from singer Saïda Charaf and a Gnaoua music group, followed by a Moroccan caftan fashion show, highlighting the elegance, craftsmanship, and refinement of Moroccan designers, and shedding light on the Kingdom's authentic and ancestral heritage. On this occasion, Morocco's Ambassador to Madrid, Karima Benyaich, praised the organization of a festival in Tarragona dedicated to Morocco, noting that this initiative reflects the strength of the human ties between the two Kingdoms. This cultural and artistic event in Tarragona celebrates the richness and diversity of Morocco's cultural and artisanal heritage, offering visitors a unique immersion into the various facets of Moroccan identity—a cultural crossroads between tradition and modernity, she said. The diplomat also reviewed the progress achieved by Morocco in recent years, under the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, through numerous political, economic, and social reforms aimed at elevating the country to the ranks of great nations. For his part, the Spanish government delegate in Catalonia, Carlos Prieto Gómez Nombrado, stated that this festival is "a representative showcase of Moroccan culture in all its dimensions," highlighting the richness and depth of Morocco's heritage. Gómez Nombrado also emphasized the strength and excellence of Morocco-Spain relations, which are clearly demonstrated through mutual solidarity during difficult times. The Morocco Festival in Tarragona features an eclectic program designed to bring Moroccan culture closer to the Spanish public, while shedding light on the historical, human, and commercial ties that have united the two countries for centuries. MAP: 10 mai 2025
Morocco World
30-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Spotlights Investment Opportunities at ‘Morocco Now' Conference in Madrid
Rabat – Morocco showcased its economic strengths and investment opportunities during the 'Morocco Now' conference held on Tuesday in Madrid. The event, held under the theme 'Investing Together for a Sustainable and Shared Future,' brought together major economic players from both Morocco and Spain. The conference aimed to promote Morocco as a reliable and attractive destination for foreign investments, especially for European partners. Drawing over 150 companies, it was organized by Morocco's Ministry of Investment, Convergence and Evaluation of Public Policies, in collaboration with the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE). During the event, the Moroccan delegation recalled the country's recent economic reforms, high-potential industries, and concrete projects available for mutually beneficial partnerships. Spain's Secretary of State for Trade, Amparo López Senovilla, spoke of the strategic importance of the Morocco-Spain relationship. 'Our historical ties and strategic geographical locations bring both sides of the Mediterranean closer,' she said, MAP news agency reported. She also pointed to the 12th high-level meeting between Morocco and Spain, held in Rabat in February 2023, which laid out a roadmap for deeper cooperation in key sectors such as economy and sustainability. Morocco's Ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich, described Morocco as a promising platform for Spanish businesses. She commended the country's ambitious strategic vision, favorable business climate, and growing partnership with Spain. Meanwhile, Karim Zidane, Morocco's Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, urged Spanish companies to explore the many investment opportunities available in Morocco, especially in key sectors like aerospace, renewable energy, automotive, and electronics. He noted Morocco's world-class infrastructure, skilled young workforce, and strategic location as reasons for its growing attractiveness to foreign investors. Ali Seddiki, Director General of AMDIE, also spoke of Morocco's position as a leading hub for investment and exports in the region. He said the conference in Madrid aims to encourage more Spanish businesses to invest in Morocco. Moroccan and Spanish officials have continuously vowed to strengthen cooperation in many sectors and encourage investment in both countries, especially after Madrid officially endorsed Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
Morocco World
28-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Spain Discuss Reinforcing Military, Security Cooperation
Rabat – Rabat hosted the 11th meeting of the Morocco-Spain Joint Military Commission today, where Moroccan and Spanish military representatives reiterated their determination to boost security cooperation at all levels. The meeting focused on reviewing the achievements of the 2024-2025 period and included discussions covering what activities will be planned for next year's program. Both the Moroccan and Spanish delegation emphasized their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two countries' armed forces. As part of the meeting, Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and Commander of the Southern Zone, received General of the Army Corps Fernando Jode Lopez del Pozo, Director General of Defense Policy at the Spanish Ministry of Defense. The two officials welcomed the cooperation between the two countries, which focuses on military training in the field, exchange of expertise, and visits, among other avenues. Spain and Morocco share good diplomatic ties, with the two countries determined to cooperate at all levels, including security. The Spanish government frequently stresses the importance of Morocco as a strategic ally, contributing to the region's security and stability. Morocco's security services constantly hand over intelligence to Spain, enabling the European country to safeguard its borders from different security challenges, including irregular migration and terrorism threats. Recently, the Spanish police dismantled several terrorist cells in coordination with Morocco's security services, including the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST). Collaboration between the two countries also covers joint military training and more. In March, Spanish news outlet OKDiario reported on data compiled by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, showing that Spain has increased its arms exports to Morocco by 1,264.77% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a total value of €21 million – up from €1.5 million in 2023. The data also shows that rifle, gun, and spring pistol exports to Morocco increased by 10% in 2024, reaching €205,564. The majority of the exports also covered bombs, grenades, and torpedoes, with the total export value jumping from €1 million in 2023 to €12.8 million in 2024. Spain's arms imports from Morocco remained minimal, totaling only €1,277 in 2024, with €660 spent on rifles and spring pistols, and €617 on sabers, swords, and bayonets.
Morocco World
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Spain, Morocco Continue Efforts to Reinforce Security Cooperation
Rabat – Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN-DGST), received today in Rabat a high-level security delegation from Spain, including the country's Head of Intelligence for the Spanish Civil Guard, Major General Luis Peláez Piñeiro. The two parties discussed their strategic cooperation, particularly in the fields of counterterrorism and the fight against transnational organized crime. According to a statement from DGSN-DGST, the visit marks the first international trip by Pineiro since his recent appointment. 'His choice of Morocco as his first destination reflects the strength of the strategic cooperation between the two countries,' the statement said. Talks between the officials focused on developing bilateral cooperation mechanisms and strengthening the bilateral partnership to ensure coordinated efforts in tackling regional and global security challenges. Both countries also celebrated joint efforts in dismantling and neutralizing security threats. They notably discussed coordination mechanisms and efforts to ensure the success of the 2030 World Cup. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will host the international tournament, with the three countries determined to gear up against security threats and ensure public safety and security. According to the statement, the two officials reaffirmed the importance of Morocco-Spain bilateral migration in the security field, reflecting their firm commitment to continue to mitigate common threats and risks. Spain and Morocco share strong bilateral ties and have worked together to dismantle several terror cells and arrest ISIS-affiliated suspects. Several recent reports highlighted Morocco's intelligence efforts, enabling Spain to bust suspects linked to terror groups. The two countries continue to stress the importance of bilateral ties and cooperation, particularly to tackle common challenges related to irregular migration. Spain is also one of the allies that support Morocco's territorial integrity, as the country views the Autonomy Plan as the most serious and credible political solution to end the dispute over Western Sahara.
