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Spain and Morocco Strengthen Ties with Surprise Meeting on Western Sahara

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita reaffirm Morocco’s autonomy plan as the key solution to the Western Sahara dispute, declaring bilateral relations at a historic high.

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Overview

  • Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita made an unannounced visit to Madrid on April 17, 2025, to meet Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.
  • Spain reiterated its support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, calling it the 'most serious, credible, and realistic' basis for resolving the long-standing dispute.
  • Both ministers described Spain-Morocco relations as at their 'best moment in history,' highlighting progress on a 2022 roadmap covering migration, trade, and security cooperation.
  • Bourita criticized advocates of a Sahrawi self-determination referendum, accusing them of prolonging the conflict and worsening conditions for refugees in Algerian camps.
  • The meeting follows recent endorsements of Morocco's autonomy plan by the United States and France, further consolidating international support for Rabat's position.