On Tuesday, the Mayor of Algeciras, José Ignacio Landaluce, warmly received Abdellah Bidou, the newly appointed Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Algeciras, at the town hall. This visit marked Bidou's inaugural official engagement since taking office, as reported by Spanish media outlets. During their meeting, Landaluce extended his congratulations to the Moroccan diplomat on his new role, underscoring the vital importance of the relationship between the two sides of the Strait of Gibraltar. The mayor remarked, «I am pleased to welcome you to our city and to congratulate you on embarking on this new chapter», stressing the need to «continue our collaborative efforts to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and mutual understanding between Spain and Morocco, particularly within our communities in the Campo de Gibraltar region». Abdellah Bidou takes over from Idriss Soussi, who had held the position at the general consulate since October 2023. Bidou brings with him a wealth of consular experience, having previously served as consul in the Balearic Islands and earlier in Barcelona. Bidou expressed his commitment to fostering institutional cooperation, enhancing Morocco's image in the region, and highlighting the contributions of Moroccan citizens to local economic and social development. The relationship between Algeciras and the Moroccan consulate is of special significance, given the daily flow of travelers, workers, and families across the strait, as well as the crucial role played by the Port of Algeciras in maritime links between the two nations.
