In an interview with El Mundo, Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, emphasized Spain's crucial role in supporting a political solution for Western Sahara, highlighting a strengthened bilateral relationship marked by strategic cooperation and mutual trust. Mezzour reaffirmed the positive trajectory of Morocco-Spain relations, underscoring their shared economic interests and commitment to advancing the bilateral roadmap. In a wide-ranging interview with Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, published by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo on the sidelines of the high-level Morocco–Spain meeting in Madrid, the minister underscored that Spain has become a «pivotal partner» in advancing a political solution to the Western Sahara issue. Madrid's Support for the Autonomy Plan: A Strategic Bet for Resolving the Sahara Conflict Mezzour described Madrid's backing of the autonomy initiative as «symbolically significant», given Spain's historical role as the administering power of the territory prior to 1975. He said Morocco is now «very close to ending a fabricated conflict that has lasted five decades», thanks to growing international support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, stressing that Spain has played a central and coherent role alongside other global partners. The minister praised the «new phase» in relations between Rabat and Madrid since April 2022, noting that it is «based on trust and strategic understanding», and affirming that «Morocco and Spain not only share a common history, but also a common future». He added that the implementation of the bilateral roadmap is progressing positively in key areas, including security cooperation, economic ties and migration management, emphasizing that the Kingdom remains «fully committed to combating irregular migration with great responsibility». On the issue of airspace over the Sahara, which has long been managed from the Canary Islands, Mezzour said it is natural for Morocco to assume this responsibility as part of its sovereignty over its territory. «Morocco now has the capacity and the expertise to carry out this task», he stated. As for warnings issued by the Polisario Front to Spain regarding the Canary Islands, Mezzour dismissed them, saying: «What the Polisario says does not concern us. What matters is a relationship of trust between Morocco and Spain». Ceuta and Melilla… A Question the Minister Repeatedly Sidesteps Throughout the interview, the journalist attempted to obtain a clear answer on whether Morocco recognizes Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla. Mezzour repeatedly avoided giving a direct response, reiterating: «This issue is not on our current agenda», at one point adding, «Should I bring up the issue of Gibraltar?» He justified this approach by stressing that both countries prefer to focus on what is set out in the bilateral roadmap and to avoid contentious issues that could derail the positive dynamic in relations. On the matter of commercial customs between Morocco and the Spanish enclaves, Mezzour explained that work is advancing in line with the roadmap. He noted that the current procedures «respect all agreements», while acknowledging that certain technical aspects remain under review to improve the flow of goods for the benefit of local populations and economic actors on both sides. Despite the journalist's repeated questions about delays in returning to pre-closure levels of trade, Mezzour insisted the matter is «primarily technical» and that «neither side intends to do anything that would harm the other», reaffirming Morocco's willingness to continue working jointly «should additional measures be needed in the future». In concluding remarks, Mezzour highlighted the strength of the economic partnership between the two countries, noting that Morocco is now Spain's leading economic partner outside the European Union, while Spain remains one of Morocco's top global trading partners.
