Bourita highlights the ‘unprecedented moment’ in relations between Spain and Morocco, with fishing as a strategic focus
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita highlighted that relations with Spain are experiencing an ‘unprecedented moment’ following the 13th High-Level Meeting held in Madrid.
In this context, fisheries and maritime cooperation are consolidating their position as strategic pillars, bringing both technological and diplomatic benefits to both countries. Bourita's emphasis on the ‘unprecedented moment’ in bilateral relations is reflected in fisheries and maritime cooperation.
The joint declaration signed during the meeting reaffirms the commitment of Spain and Morocco to promote sustainable fishing, aquaculture, technical training and joint vessel control as a measure to combat illegal fishing (point 6 of the declaration).
With these actions, both countries seek to protect their interests and optimise food security management by strengthening the control of maritime resources.
A historic moment for bilateral relations
For Morocco, fishing remains a key economic pillar. Despite the decline in catches in 2024, revenues exceeded $820 million mark, representing an 8% increase over 2023, according to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests.
The boom in fishing sector revenues demonstrates Morocco's commitment to optimising the quality and value of its products, beyond quantity. These premises, set out in point 6 of the declaration, together with plans to increase investment in the blue economy – aquaculture, sustainability and resource control – establish a perfect ecosystem for the fishing industry to remain an economic focus for Rabat.
In line with this trend, Spain's involvement will help to modernise the Moroccan fleet and the systems for monitoring illegal fishing, which costs the North African country approximately more than 200 million dollars a year. Similarly, close cooperation between Spain and Morocco will strengthen Morocco's negotiating position with the European Union, the main importer of Moroccan fish.
Spain, in turn, gains clear advantages: stability in the sector and legal certainty are the main benefits. However, according to ICEX data, the figures show some minor limitations. According to data from 2023, exports of frozen fish from Spain to Morocco amounted to 17,400 kg, equivalent to 121,000 dollars, and exports of filleted fish amounted to 66,675 kg, approximately 347,000 dollars. These figures show that interaction is high and stable, but indicate that the benefits, following the agreements signed during the 12th HLM, have ample room for growth.
The most relevant aspect of the bilateral relationship is cooperation and security management in the Strait, one of the routes most used by smuggling networks and illicit activities. It is on this issue that both administrations have focused in point 7 of the joint declaration. According to the draft text: ‘Spain and Morocco are committed to increasing technical training and scientific research as essential components’.
In short, from the analysis of macro data and the reading of the declaration, it can be concluded that Morocco will modernise its sector and ensure growing revenues with lower catch volumes, while Spain will gain stability for its fleet and technical and regulatory influence.
However, the Moroccan market will have to consider fish prices in Europe and the impact this may have on its exports.
The Atlantic as a space for sustainable cooperation
Beyond fishing and trade, cooperation between Spain and Morocco strengthens Morocco's Atlantic coastline, which shares a border with the Canary Islands, making it a more stable and secure place.
With regard to the Sahara airspace, currently administered by Spain, Bourita argued that it is ‘outdated’.
'Morocco is starting from a simple case. If you take a plane and want to go to the Sahara, you pass through Marrakesh and it is clear which control tower is guiding you. If there is a problem with the plane, who manages it? Who is responsible for the safety of this aircraft? It is Morocco. With mutual respect, we can find solutions that preserve Spain's interests and take into account the realities and rights of Morocco,' Bourita said in an interview with the EFE news agency.
Regarding the debate on maritime boundaries, where Morocco seeks to extend its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to the southwest of the Canary Islands, in an area that has large reserves of cobalt, tellurium and rare minerals, he stressed that this is an issue that affects ‘the entire Atlantic maritime space’.
In both situations, the Moroccan Foreign Minister expressed his hope that ‘creative solutions’ would be found that ‘protect Spain's interests and recognise Morocco's realities and rights’.
Through joint programmes on traceability and controlled surveillance, the region can become an economic lever that is not only favourable for both countries but also for trade with the European Union and the rest of the African continent, and open up new trade routes with South America. The key aspect of this relationship is to build a common strategy for the Atlantic that combines resource protection and development.