Luis Planas highlights the strategic relationship between Spain and Morocco

Business meeting poster

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, underlined the "excellent strategic relationship" between Spain and Morocco, which has strengthened neighbourly ties and cooperation between the two countries, key to addressing the challenges of the agricultural and fisheries sectors.

Planas participated in the opening of the Spain-Morocco business meeting, held at the headquarters of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE) and framed within the 13th High-Level Meeting between the two countries.

At the event, he highlighted the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement, which constitutes the central legal framework for the relationship between the two states and has allowed for the consolidation of political dialogue and trade liberalisation.

In his address, the minister highlighted the strong growth in trade with Morocco. Spanish agri-food exports to Morocco have doubled since 2020, reaching €1.223 billion, in a trade balance that still favours the neighbouring country. According to Planas, "this growth would not be possible without the efforts of the business sector and the advances in sanitary and phytosanitary matters."

The minister also noted that both countries share challenges such as water scarcity and the need to promote more sustainable production. "Adapting to climate change and ensuring the resilience of farms and fishing grounds are common challenges that we must address with innovation and knowledge transfer," the minister acknowledged.

In this context, Planas announced the signing tomorrow of two cooperation memoranda, one for agriculture and the other for fisheries, focused on innovation, water management, support for rural areas, and the fight against illegal fishing.

The minister highlighted Spain's role in cooperation between the European Union and Morocco, based on agreed frameworks, clear rules, and mutual respect. According to Planas, "strengthening these ties contributes to reinforcing food security, socioeconomic development, and regional stability."

Non official translation