This session was marked by the adoption of a Joint Statement and the signing of several agreements on several areas including migration management, tourism, infrastructure, water resources, environment, agriculture, vocational training, social security, transport, health security and research and development.

Speaking at the close of this session, Akahannouch stressed that this meeting has inaugurated a new stage "whose essence is the focus on issues of common interest."

Among these issues is sustainable development in view of the role that Morocco plays in the southern Mediterranean basin and Africa, and Spain's role in the north of the basin and the European continent, he explained.

The fruitful and deepened cooperation relations will also generate real opportunities to consolidate tripartite cooperation for Africa, including vocational training and development in general, he said, noting that this session aims to anchor a strategic foundation for building a balanced relationship based on the willingness and common concern to manage the present and build the future.

This session, he said, has focused on ways to consolidate relations and develop bilateral cooperation in the areas of energy, mobility and other priority sectors for both countries, as well as offered the two countries the opportunity to assess bilateral relations and define the priorities of cooperation in the coming years.

The large participation of the Spanish delegation in this session is a clear testimony of the strong ties of friendship and cooperation that unite Morocco and Spain, said Akhannouch, noting that it also reflects the strong will of both countries and their commitment to work together for "a privileged and resolutely future-oriented partnership.”

This meeting offered both countries the opportunity to assess bilateral relations and define the priorities of cooperation in the coming years, as it inaugurated a new stage whose essence is the focus on issues of common interest.

The Moroccan-Spanish partnership has opportunities and assets to translate both countries’ ambition, through this meeting, into concrete results for the benefit of both kingdoms and in consecration of the strong will of their two sovereigns, he said, hailing, moreover, the human dimension of the bilateral relationship and praising the effective contribution of the Moroccan community established in Spain and the Spanish community living in Morocco, which are constantly working to enrich the privileged partnership uniting the two friendly countries.

For his part, Sanchez said that this HLM comes to consolidate the new stage of bilateral relations begun on April 7, 22 by his visit to Morocco at the invitation of HM King Mohammed VI, saying he was convinced that this stage will be full of success and shared prosperity.

He also expressed his conviction that this rapprochement will be beneficial to both countries and peoples, welcoming the success of this session as evidenced by the number of agreements signed and actions agreed.

These agreements cover several areas including migration management, tourism, infrastructure, water resources, environment, agriculture, vocational training, social security, transport, health security and research and development.

Thus, a memorandum of understanding of triangular cooperation was signed between the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECI).

This MoU, signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and his Spanish counterpart José Manuel Albares Bueno, aims to identify, designate, develop, promote and support triangular cooperation actions and projects for the benefit of third countries, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, based on the learning and added value resulting from the previous joint work between Moroccan and Spanish public institutions that have a potential for replication in third countries.

A second memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates and the Ministry of Inclusion, Migration and Social Security of the Kingdom of Spain on migration management.

Signed by Bourita and Spanish Minister of Inclusion, Migration and Social Security, José Luis Escriva Belmonte, this agreement aims to establish a framework for cooperation to share experiences in the areas of migration policy management through technical training and institutional strengthening of the Moroccan administration in the field of migration, supporting a better cultural, social and educational inclusion of immigrant communities of both countries.

A third memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Ministry of Equipment and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Programs of the Kingdom of Spain in the field of infrastructure.

Signed by the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, and the Spanish Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Programs, Raquel Sánchez Jiménez, this MoU aims to define and strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the infrastructure field.

Another memorandum of understanding was inked between the Ministry of Equipment and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge of the Kingdom of Spain in the field of management, development and protection of water resources.

This MoU, signed by Baraka and the third vice president of the Spanish Government and Minister of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, aims to meet the needs of efficient water management, in order to adequately address the effects of climate change on water resources and thus plan adaptation strategies and improve water governance.

The Segura Hydrographic Confederation of the Kingdom of Spain and the Loukkos Water Basin Agency of the Kingdom of Morocco signed a cooperation agreement for a decentralized management of water resources.

Signed by Baraka and Ribera Rodriguez, the objective of this memorandum of understanding is to establish a framework for strengthening integrated water resources management practices at the scale of the river basin between the two agencies, based on the exchange of experiences, to contribute to the search for solutions to common concerns.

    
Another cooperation agreement was also signed between the Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation of the Kingdom of Spain and the Tensift Water Basin Agency for a decentralized management of water resources.

Signed by Baraka and Ribera Rodriguez, this agreement aims to consolidate institutional and economic cooperation, and the exchange of information on existing investment opportunities between the two parties and companies based in both countries.

In the field of environment, the fight against climate change and sustainable development, an MoU was signed between the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge of the Kingdom of Spain.

This agreement, signed by Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, and the third vice president of the Spanish Government and Minister of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera Rodriguez, aims to strengthen cooperation relations between the two countries in the field of environment, the fight against climate change and sustainable development on a basis of equity, equal rights and mutual benefits.

In the areas of Health, Phytosanitary and Development of Agricultural Sectors, a memorandum of understanding was signed by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki and the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas.

This agreement aims to create favorable conditions for the implementation of actions and the development of cooperation and mutual assistance in the agricultural and livestock sectors, which will improve trade and create better conditions for crop and livestock production.

Among the agreements signed is also a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of National Education, Preschool Learning and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of the Kingdom of Spain.

Signed by Minister of National Education, Preschool Learning and Sports, Chakib Benmoussa, and Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Pilar Alegria Continente, this MoU aims to create bilingual sections of Spanish in the field of science in secondary schools in the Kingdom of Morocco in order to bring the Moroccan and Spanish education systems closer together, to share information and experiences and best practices on education systems.

In addition, a memorandum of understanding in the field of vocational training was signed by Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills, Youness Sekkouri, and Alegria Continente, Spanish Minister of Education and Vocational Training.

This MoU aims to encourage and develop cooperation in the field of vocational training between the two countries on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual enrichment, through the exchange of information and best practices, mobility of trainees and trainers between the two countries and the exchange of procedures for accreditation and validation of professional experience.

A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration of the Kingdom of Spain, on Migration Movements.

Signed between Sekkouri and the Spanish Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, José Luis Escriva Belmonte, this MoU aims to establish a reference framework to provide real opportunities for safe, regular, orderly and secure migration, in accordance with the Global Compact for Migration and the objective 10.7 of the 2030 Agenda.

In the area of Social Security, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration of the Kingdom of Spain on Technical Cooperation.

Signed by Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khalid Ait Taleb, and Spanish Minister of Inclusion, Migration and Social Security, José Luis Escriva, this MoU is meant to establish a framework for technical cooperation in areas of common interest such as the implementation of strategies to strengthen the skills of professionals on both sides; the exchange of information on issues of fraud control and improvement of the management and collection processes.

Another memorandum of understanding was signed between the two countries in the field of tourism. Signed by Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social Economy Fatim-Zahra Ammor and Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Maria Reyes Maroto-Illera, this MoU aims to promote cooperation between the countries in the field of tourism, through the exchange of expertise in the areas of promotion, the creation of new tourism offers and the management of natural and cultural heritage.

12th Morocco-Spain High Level Meeting: Several Cooperation Agreements Signed - 3/3
 Text    
On the other hand, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Programs signed an MoU on transport.

Signed by Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mohammed Abdeljalil, and Spanish Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Programs, Raquel Sanchez Jiménez, this agreement aims to consolidate cooperation between the two parties in the field of transport, through the exchange of best practices in rail innovation, the exchange of data on ships via the automatic identification system, the exchange of operating procedures in the maritime field and the use of satellite navigation.

A memorandum of understanding was also inked in the field of Research and Development.

Signed by Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Abdellatif Miraoui, and Spanish Minister of Science and Innovation, Diana Morant Ripoll, the MoU aims to develop scientific and technological cooperation activities between the two countries through the establishment of a program of bilateral cooperation and exchange of information and experience.

In the academic field, a memorandum was signed by Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Abdellatif Miraoui, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares Bueno.

This MoU aims to define the terms and conditions of collaboration between the two countries in areas related to higher education and scientific research through the strengthening of academic cooperation between the two countries which will result in the establishment of a Spanish university campus in Morocco.

Similarly, a Declaration of Intent was signed in the field of health security. Signed by Ait Taleb and Albares Bueno. It focuses on the intention of both countries to strengthen cooperation in the sector of Health and particularly in the field of prevention, protection and fight against pandemics.

Another MoU was signed between the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation in the field of libraries.

Signed by Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, and José Manuel Albares Bueno, this MoU aims to strengthen the cultural links between the two institutions to promote the protection and safeguarding of their bibliographic heritage through the exchange of best practices and experts in the field of librarianship, and to collaborate in the dissemination of the heritage they share

Another MoU was signed between the Directorate of Archives of Morocco and the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Kingdom of Spain in the field of archives.

Signed by Bensaid and Spanish Minister of Culture and Sports, Miquel Iceta Liorens, it provides for the strengthening of cooperation in the field of archives between the two countries to promote knowledge of the systems and practices that both countries implement, as well as the exchange of models and methods in this area and the dissemination of good practices and experiences.

In addition, a financial protocol was signed by Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, and Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Maria Reyes Maroto-Illera.

During this bilateral meeting, which is part of the Morocco-Spain High Level Meeting, the two parties welcomed the ties of cooperation, friendship and good neighborliness between the two countries and reviewed the positive record of cooperation between Morocco and Spain in the field of tourism, the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social Economy said in a statement.

This assessment has resulted in realizing several cooperative actions including the organization of training courses, workshops and seminars on several areas including innovation, tourism statistics and vocational training, as well as the participation of both parties in events organized in both countries, the same source said.

The two ministers exchanged on this occasion on their experiences in the recovery of tourism following the Covid-19 pandemic. To this end, Ammor highlighted the efforts made by the Moroccan government for the recovery of the tourism sector in Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, highlighting the excellent performance of the tourism sector in Morocco, since the opening of the borders in February 2022.

Moreover, the High Level Meeting was also an occasion for the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Morocco and Spain in the field of tourism, which is in line with the continuation of momentum initiated between the two countries in this field.

This Memorandum covers several cooperation actions, including promotion, investment, monitoring and analysis of tourism activity, quality and sustainability, competitiveness.

At the beginning of this meeting, the two ministers reviewed the historical ties and strong relations between Rabat and Madrid, in accordance with the guidelines of the leaders of both countries, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Spanish Sovereign King Filipe VI, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication said a statement.

The two parties stressed, on this occasion, the need to further strengthen bilateral relations in the cultural field, especially in terms of heritage and development of cultural tourism and exchange in the context of art exhibitions.

In this regard, Bensaid assured his Spanish counterpart of the readiness of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication to work steadily with the Foundation of the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean and strengthen cooperation at the level of film production, said the statement.

The two officials also agreed to collaborate within UNESCO and to promote the exchange of experiences and expertise, especially in the field of cultural heritage, as Morocco is preparing to establish a National Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage, in accordance with the High Royal instructions contained in the message sent by the Sovereign to the participants in the 17th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, under the UNESCO auspices, according to the same source.

Co-chairing with the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, the 12th Moroccan-Spanish High-Level Meeting, Sánchez called for the harmonization of public policies of both countries to improve their connectivity as well as in the region, accelerate the digitalization and ensure the energy transition to ensure sustainable development.

The Spanish chief executive stressed, moreover, that the two countries are also called to ensure harmonious progress in all areas through the strengthening of political dialogue and security and more investment, trade and interconnections, as well as mobility and communication between the two societies.

These are the objectives set by the two kingdoms during the visit he made to Rabat last April 7, he recalled, noting that "we can see today that we have achieved them: we have fulfilled our commitments and we will continue to do so.

He also noted that this session of the HLM consolidates the new stage opened in bilateral relations, noting that "both Kingdoms are entering this new stage with a great sense of responsibility and historical awareness and, above all, with a deep conviction of the enormous potential that remains to be explored in this relationship, which goes far beyond the simple neighborhood.

Sánchez also referred to the exceptional nature of this session, in that "it is the first of its kind in 8 years, but also because it comes after the joint statement of last April 7, which strengthened the basis for joint action, noting that both countries are committed to transparency and permanent communication, while prioritizing dialogue and not the fait accompli.

He also reaffirmed the validity and integrity of all agreements between the two parties, which have laid the foundations of bilateral relations in the past.

In this regard, the two governments have proposed an action program that aims to expand the fields of bilateral relations in a balanced and coordinated manner through a strengthened political and security dialogue, with a systematic monitoring mechanism of the implementation of agreements, he continued.

It is also an advanced economic partnership, developing new investment projects to accompany the process of "extraordinary" development that Morocco is experiencing, he said.

Regarding the new partnership to strengthen socio-cultural ties, Sánchez said that both societies want new models of mobility, education and training, stressing the need to adopt a comprehensive and constructive approach to migration.

He also noted "the shared responsibility of both countries to work together to defend a global order based on rules, especially in the face of war in Ukraine and instability in North Africa.

On another note, the President of the Spanish Government highlighted the advanced status of Morocco in the European Union, stressing that the Spanish presidency of the Council this year offers an opportunity to make a qualitative leap in this direction.

During a working meeting on the sidelines of the 12th session of the Morocco-Spain High Level Meeting (HLM), the Minister of Transport and Logistics Mohamed Abdeljalil and the Spanish Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda Raquel Sánchez Jiménez have focused on cooperation in terms of governance of the sector, railway infrastructure, training and qualification of human resources.

Morocco is committed to a dynamic development of a "very interesting" railway plan, Sánchez Jiménez told the press, describing as wise and positive for both countries to collaborate in the railway field.

The official noted that Spain has accumulated experience in recent years in rail infrastructure, through the public companies RENFE and ADIF, and through private companies.

Likewise, both sides have discussed various issues related to international road transport, including ways to improve the licensing regimes, she noted, noting that they have agreed to continue working in the joint group established for this purpose.

Sánchez Jiménez, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Transport, Isabel Pardo De Vera, said that the focus was on ways to improve the transit operation of the Strait of Gibraltar, to make it easier from an operational point of view.

For his part, Abdeljalil said that this meeting will give new impetus to exchanges and joint work in the field of rail transport in particular, noting that Morocco is driven by a strong desire to cover its territory of more lines.

In this regard, "we decided to work together to take advantage of the experience of Spain and give a strong impetus to this project," he added.

These talks were an opportunity to discuss strategic issues for both countries, which are committed to work for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) whose signing is scheduled in the context of the 12th session of the Morocco-Spain HLM.

This MoU aims to consolidate the cooperation of both parties in the field of transport, through the exchange of best practices in rail innovation, exchange of data on ships via the automatic identification system, exchange of operating procedures in the maritime field and the use of satellite navigation.

A total of 24,220,051 people have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the number of fully vaccinated people (1st and 2nd doses) has reached 23,421,323, the ministry pointed out in its daily COVID-19 bulletin, noting that 6,876,392 people have received the third dose of the vaccine, while 59,903 people have got the fourth shot.

According to the same source, the number of COVID-19 cases reported since the start of the outbreak of the virus rose to 1,272,258 , while recoveries increased to 1,255,900, i.e. a recovery rate of 98.7%.

The new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the regions of Casablanca-Settat (02), Rabat-Salé-Kenitra (01) and Souss-Massa (01).

As for coronavirus-related fatalities, their number remained at 16,296, with no case recorded in the last 24 hours.

The number of active cases stands at 62, with no severe or critical case reported in the past 24 hours, for a total of two cases.

This meeting, which is an opportunity to celebrate the historical relations and the ties of Moroccan-Spanish friendship, also allows to translate the major orientations of the partnership into a clear roadmap to serve the interests of the two friendly peoples, said Mr. Akhannouch at the opening of this session of the HLM that he co-chairs with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez.

He recalled that the visit of Sánchez to Morocco, at the invitation of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is a turning point in the implementation of the new vision of relations between the two countries, praising the work done since the last session of the High-Level Meeting, held in Madrid in 2015 and the positive outcome marked by the implementation of the contents of the joint statement that sanctioned its work.

Akhannouch also reiterated the desire to raise bilateral cooperation and expand it to new dimensions, noting that this session is placed under the theme: "a privileged partnership, resolutely oriented towards the future", and this is in line with the willingness of both parties to devote a transparent and permanent dialogue, based on trust and mutual respect in the treatment of issues of common interest.

The frank and continuous consultations on various bilateral, regional and international issues, carried out on the instructions of HM King Mohammed VI, have allowed to bring together points of view on issues of common interest, he said, welcoming, in this regard, the position of Spain on the first national cause, which supports the autonomy plan in the Moroccan Sahara, presented by the Kingdom in 2007 and considers it to be the most serious, realistic and credible basis for the settlement of this phony conflict.

He also welcomed the economic forum held on the sidelines of this high-level meeting, which is an opportunity to consolidate bilateral cooperation relations and expand them to new areas, with high partnership potential and priority for both countries, such as renewable energy, agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

Bilateral relations are undergoing a qualitative evolution that calls for the involvement of economic operators in this dynamic, in order to conclude strong and tangible partnerships, beyond trade to engage in joint projects with strategic scope, taking advantage of the new investment charter in Morocco, whose provisions offer many opportunities to both sides in various fields and to promising markets, especially in Africa," said Akhannouch.

He also noted that this session is of great importance, as it comes in a particular context, marked by the fallout of the global health crisis and the war in Ukraine that has impacted various countries, as well as the direct effects of these two crises on the standard of living of citizens and the increase in inflation levels, which places the world in front of new and unexpected challenges.

It also draws its importance from the density that has marked the relations between our two countries, especially after HM King Mohammed VI's call, in the Sovereign's speech on the occasion of the anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People on August 20, 2020, to "inaugurate a new and unprecedented stage in the relations between the two countries, based on trust, transparency, mutual respect and respect for commitments.

The 12th HLM also comes in a context of profound regional and international changes, with in mind the security challenges that are now imposed on the countries of the region, he said, calling for the intensification of efforts to address the dangers that threaten the security of the region, related to illegal immigration, trafficking in persons, drug trafficking, terrorism, separatist groups and armed factions, and this on the basis of a comprehensive approach combining the security and social dimensions.

It is also to face the challenges facing the world, against a background of profound changes that challenge the ability of States to adapt permanently to these changes, through renewed approaches, able to promote bilateral action and harmonize its pace with these changes in a way that meets the vision of both countries on their regional and international environment.

Akhannouch also recalled that through the evolution of bilateral relations at all levels, Spain has become the first economic and trade partner of Morocco, noting that the two countries have been able to establish a rich and diverse legal framework accompanying the evolution achieved in many areas.

He noted that in a complex international context, which knows the exacerbation of tensions due to various international crises and their impact on production chains and food security due to energy instability, Morocco and Spain have been able to intensify their cooperation in these two areas, through model projects.

These projects concern the energy field, through the strengthening of the electrical interconnection and the implementation of the Maghreb gas pipeline in the opposite direction, from Spain to Morocco, as well as the adoption of new energy sources such as green hydrogen, based on a strategic vision that establishes the concept of sustainable development as a solution for the future able to preserve the balance between the environmental, economic and social dimensions, he explained.

It is certain that the geographical proximity of the two countries has favored a considerable presence of Spanish companies in Morocco and the presence of a large Moroccan community in Spain and Spanish resident in Morocco, stressed the head of government, adding that an exceptional dynamic has resulted from this deal, which highlights that economic relations between the two kingdoms exceed the framework of the conjunctural for the structural dimension.

It also opens the prospects of projects that are levers for building the future, including the project of fixed link between the two countries, which is likely to operate a real revolution at several levels, he said, maintaining that this session is a particularly important time to review and assess the balance of bilateral cooperation in the political, security, economic, cultural and social.

It also provides an opportunity to anchor the new vision of partnership between the two countries for the coming years, through the milestones of the roadmap adopted by the two governments and in implementation of its provisions.

The common will and the sincere desire that animate both countries, will undoubtedly win the bet, to meet the challenges and achieve the goals set, including the promotion of bilateral relations to raise them to the level of the aspirations of the two Sovereigns and the agreements between the two governments, he concluded.

These sections, which will be introduced next year, aim to promote the learning of the Spanish language in a progressive manner, starting from the primary school level, with a view to extending this experience to the secondary school level, explained Benmoussa in a statement to the press.

According to Benmoussa, the discussions focused on the promotion of the teaching of Arabic and Spanish in Spain and Morocco, with the creation of a working group to make this project a reality.

For her part, the Spanish Minister, who is currently visiting the Kingdom within the framework of the Moroccan-Spanish High-Level Meeting, welcomed this cooperation project for the creation of bilingual Spanish sections in different regions of Morocco.

The creation of these bilingual sections will offer Moroccan students the opportunity to study scientific subjects in Spanish in order to obtain Spanish and Moroccan baccalaureates, which will allow them to continue their higher education in Spain with perfect equality of opportunity, she noted.

"With the construction of an educational institution in Rabat, on land ceded by the Moroccan government, we hope to inaugurate in 2025 the most important Spanish educational institution abroad," she said.

The 12th session of the Moroccan-Spanish High-Level Meeting, held eight years after the last meeting of this institutional mechanism, is part of the strategic partnership and the new dynamic that relations between the two kingdoms following the visit of Pedro Sánchez to Morocco last April at the invitation of HM King Mohammed VI.

In a statement to the press after this meeting, held on the sidelines of the 12th Morocco-Spain High-Level Meeting (HLM), Benali said the two governments want to give new impetus to the strategic partnership that binds the two countries in the energy field, while further consolidating their cooperation in renewable energy including green hydrogen, electricity, gas, mining, environment and sustainable development.

This meeting was also an opportunity to discuss various issues relating to "preparations for the COP28 as part of the presidency of Morocco of the 6th assembly of the United Nations for the environment" and which coincides with the presidency held by Spain of the European Council in the second half of 2023," she added.

For her part, the Vice President of the Spanish government and Minister of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera Rodríguez said to be "very satisfied" with the level of bilateral cooperation relations, stressing the convergence of views of both parties on environmental and energy challenges.

"We are convinced of the importance of working together" for a healthier environment in a context marked by climate challenges, she said in a press statement, noting that Morocco has great ambitions in the energy field.

She stressed in this sense "the strong commitment of Morocco" to promote bilateral cooperation especially in the energy field to find solutions to environmental and climate challenges. 

Ribera Rodríguez is part of the delegation accompanying the President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez, currently visiting the Kingdom, to co-chair with his Moroccan counterpart, Aziz Akhannouch, the 12th session of the High Level Meeting Morocco-Spain.

The 12th Morocco-Spain HLM, which is held eight years after the last session of this institutional mechanism, is part of the strategic partnership and the new dynamic that relations between the two kingdoms following the visit made last April by Mr. Sanchez in Morocco, at the invitation of HM King Mohammed VI.