Relations between Morocco and Spain are based on common strategic interests.

Karima Benyaich participated in Madrid in a conference entitled: “Relations between Morocco and Spain: historical keys and current challenges”, where she stressed that “the links between the two kingdoms are based on fruitful cooperation and permanent dialogue, based on mutual respect and an ambitious road map”.

The ambassador insisted, in this framework, on the central role of complementarity and diversity in the consolidation of this exemplary relationship, which affects all strategic sectors.

To illustrate the strength and density of the economic relations linking the two countries, Benyaich pointed out that Morocco is Spain's third largest trading partner outside the EU after the United States and the United Kingdom, and hosts nearly 1,000 Spanish companies among the 20,000 that maintain regular exchanges with the Kingdom, with investments of 2 billion euros that generate some 20,000 jobs in strategic sectors.

At the same time, Moroccan companies, including major players such as OCP, are stepping up their investments in Spain, reflecting an economic dynamism based on complementarity and contributing to the mutual prosperity of both countries, she added.

Benyaich also highlighted the boom in transport and mobility between Morocco and Spain, marked by more than 260 weekly flights, 60 daily maritime connections and a record 3 million Spanish visitors in 2024, representing an increase of 16% over the previous year and confirming Spain as the second largest tourist issuing market to Morocco.

On the educational front, “about 12,000 Moroccan students are enrolled in higher institutes in Spain, representing 10% of foreign students in the Iberian country,” she said, adding that Morocco hosts the largest network of Cervantes institutes in the world, contributing to strengthening cultural exchanges between the two nations.

The diplomat also highlighted the far-reaching scope of the joint project of the tripartite organization by Morocco, Spain and Portugal of the 2030 World Cup, an unprecedented initiative that unites Europe and Africa, as well as the north and south of the Mediterranean, and testifies to the mutual trust and harmony between the governments of the three countries.

Benyaich stressed that these facts reflect the growing importance and complementarity between Morocco and Spain, enshrining a multidimensional and exemplary strategic partnership, which contributes to the stability and prosperity of the Mediterranean and Atlantic region.

For his part, Spanish historian Victor Morales Lezcano highlighted the depth of the historical ties that bind Morocco and Spain, insisting on their central role in shaping their current relations.

In a statement to MAP, he stressed that “mutual understanding between the two nations is based on a better reciprocal knowledge of their respective histories. This is fundamental to lay the foundations for an even closer and lasting cooperation,” he said.

Lezcano also reviewed the major stages of the common history between Morocco and Spain, stressing the importance of intellectual and cultural exchanges to strengthen their relations and enhance the historical ties that unite them in the cultural, economic and political fields.

For his part, the head of the Department of Hispanic Studies at the Mohammed I University of Nador, Hassan Arabi, praised the fundamental role played by academics in consolidating bilateral relations between Morocco and Spain.

“Moroccan and Spanish female academics, through their research and their participation in this type of events, contribute significantly to a better mutual understanding by tackling preconceived ideas through raising awareness of the different components of the society of both countries,” he said.

Arabi also stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with the Moroccan community established in Spain, in order to strengthen cultural and human exchanges, which are essential to consolidate these bilateral relations.

This conference, held at the prestigious Ateneo Cultural Center in Madrid, took place in the presence of a group of experts and researchers who highlighted the importance of mutual understanding and the value of cultural and intellectual exchanges as essential levers to consolidate relations between Morocco and Spain.