The strengthening of air connectivity between Morocco and Spain illustrates the vitality of cooperation and partnership relations between the two Kingdoms, Morocco’s Ambassador to Madrid, Karima Benyaich, stated on Friday.
Speaking in Madrid during the presentation of the expansion strategy of Royal Air Maroc in Spain, the diplomat stressed that the launch of new routes, including Casablanca–Bilbao and Casablanca–Alicante, is fully in line with a dynamic of closer ties and deeper integration between the two countries.
Ms. Benyaich highlighted the central role of air transport, which she described as an “essential pillar” of bilateral cooperation, as it facilitates exchanges, supports mobility, and fosters tangible rapprochement between Moroccan and Spanish societies. According to her, strengthening air links also contributes to increasing economic flows between the two Kingdoms.
The Ambassador noted that these new routes clearly illustrate the positive momentum characterizing bilateral cooperation between two neighboring and friendly countries, bound not only by geography but also by a shared history, strong human ties, and steadily diversifying cooperation. She recalled that Morocco and Spain maintain a strategic relationship based on continuous dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future, consolidated over the years across political, economic, cultural, tourism, and human fields.
The excellence of bilateral relations reflects a shared determination to build an area of stability, prosperity, and shared development, benefiting not only both countries but also the wider region, she added.
Ms. Benyaich pointed out that Spain is currently Morocco’s leading trading partner, with annual trade exceeding €22 billion. She also noted that Morocco has become Spain’s third-largest trading partner outside the European Union, after the United States and the United Kingdom. “These figures demonstrate the solidity and strategic nature of our economic relationship, which continues to strengthen and diversify,” she said.
The diplomat also underlined the unique human dimension of the bilateral partnership, recalling that Spain hosts the largest Moroccan community abroad, numbering over one million people. These men and women actively contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of their host country while maintaining strong ties with their country of origin.
Ms. Benyaich further referred to the positive momentum in bilateral relations in recent years, particularly following the visit to Rabat in April 2022 by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, at the invitation of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. That visit marked the beginning of a new phase grounded in permanent dialogue and mutual respect, supported by an ambitious roadmap covering all strategic sectors.
She also mentioned the 13th High-Level Meeting, held in Madrid on December 4, 2025, co-chaired by the heads of government of both countries, in the presence of numerous ministers and business leaders. According to her, the meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to a modern, evolving, strategic, and innovative partnership.
