Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, expressed on Friday strong support for the renewal of the EU-Morocco fisheries deal, urging the two partners to finalize a new protocol that will sustain their fisheries cooperation for the next four years.
Minister Planas emphasized Spain’s clear position on the matter and hailed the 5th session of the Joint Commission, responsible for overseeing the partnership agreement in sustainable fisheries between Morocco and the EU.
The session took place in Brussels on Thursday and was described by Planas as positive and fruitful.
In a statement to the Spanish media, he further stressed the need to continue working on research and technical aspects to facilitate swift progress towards the conclusion of the new protocol.
He acknowledged the effectiveness of the agreement’s structural support and highlighted ongoing scientific and technical research aimed at securing a prosperous future for the EU-Morocco partnership.
Expressing optimism, Minister Planas expressed his hopes that the current downtime in negotiations would be as brief as possible. The minister’s remarks reflect Spain’s commitment to advancing the interests of both the EU and Morocco in the fisheries sector.
The Partnership Agreement between the EU and Morocco has been instrumental in promoting sustainable fisheries practices and fostering cooperation between the two parties. The agreement has proven beneficial for both sides, contributing to economic development, environmental conservation, and the welfare of fishing communities.
The completion of the new protocol will allow for the continuation of collaborative efforts in areas such as scientific research, technical advancements, and sustainable fishing practices. This commitment to ongoing cooperation aligns with Spain’s strategic vision for the future of the fisheries sector, promoting the responsible use of marine resources and safeguarding the livelihoods of fishermen.
As discussions progress, Spain has continued to stress its unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation between all stakeholders involved.
According to Planas, the Spanish government’s strong stance on supporting the EU and Morocco in concluding the new fisheries protocol demonstrates its commitment to sustainable fisheries and the broader goals of the decades-long partnership between Rabat and Brussels.
The Spanish minister’s comments come mere days after Spain dismissed the separatist Polisario Front’s maneuvers to get Madrid to ink an alternative fisheries deal with the Polisario leadership.
“We are willing to find a legal framework so that they [Spanish fishing vessels] can continue their activity. They are victims of an illegal agreement between Morocco and the European Union,” a senior Polisssario official had told a Spanish news outlet.
But Madrid sniffed at the separatist front’s proposal, describing it as “not important” and once again displaying its commitment to the newfound, rapidly evolving rapprochement between Rabat and Madrid.
