Madrid: Morocco’s Minister of the Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, and his Spanish counterpart, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, convened in Madrid for a work meeting that centered on in-depth dialogue regarding issues of mutual interest.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, both ministers expressed their satisfaction with the strong partnership between Morocco and Spain, a testament to the sincere relations of friendship and mutual respect shared by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Majesty King Don Felipe VI, alongside their Royal Families. This partnership has gained strategic momentum, following the ambitious roadmap adopted on April 7, 2022, after discussions between King Mohammed VI and the Spanish Government’s President, Pedro Sánchez.

The ministers discussed shared security challenges and highlighted the effective bilateral cooperation in preventing criminal and terrorist activities that threaten the Mediterranean region. They agreed on the need to enhance anticipation capacities, operational coordinati
on, and mechanisms for exchanging information and expertise.

Regarding migration, the ministers emphasized the significance of active solidarity in combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking. They highlighted their aligned approaches to promoting regular migratory flows that foster closer ties between people and strengthen civilizational connections. They also acknowledged the integrated initiatives within the Permanent Mixed Migration Group, which plays a crucial role in this cooperation.

The success of the Marhaba/Transit 2024 operation was noted, and preparations for the 2025 edition were discussed. This operation exemplifies the cooperative spirit between the institutions of both nations. They credited the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity for its decisive role in the operation’s success.

The discussion also touched on managing major international events, with coordination for the 2030 World Cup being a focal point. The ministers stressed the importance of optimizing synergies between the hos
t countries to ensure the event’s success.

Lastly, they commended the solidarity between the Moroccan and Spanish peoples, recently demonstrated by the deployment of Spanish rescue teams following the earthquake in Al Haouz and Moroccan teams during the floods in the Valencian community.