Morocco-Spain thaw continues with investment pledge, aerospace deal

Spain and Morocco have historically been at odds over Western Sahara, migration and territorial disputes.
Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch (R) meets with his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Sanchez (L), in Rabat, on Feb. 2, 2023.
Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch (R) meets with his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Sanchez (L), in Rabat, on Feb. 2, 2023. - STR/AFP via Getty Images
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s visit to Morocco on Wednesday yielded new business developments between the two countries, as they continue to mend ties after years of tensions.

Sanchez met Morocco's King Mohammed VI as well as Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch in Rabat. Sanchez reiterated Spain’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara during the visit, he announced on X.

Sanchez added that Spain plans to invest 45 billion euros ($49 billion) in Morocco and that the two countries plan to expand economic cooperation, including during the 2030 FIFA World Cup, according to a readout from the Moroccan government. The soccer tournament will be held in Morocco, Spain and Portugal that year.

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