Arrival in Rabat of Spanish Prime Minister

Both countries faced with the  effects of the economic crisis are drawing closer together to strengthen their long  historical relationship  .Spain has 25% unemployment,the highest in the EU and is likely to request another bailout from the EU. Morocco is less affected by bad debts but has nevertheless seen its growth rate slow from 4.5 per cent to less than 3 per cent this year according to AFP.

However,.  around 20,000 SME's Spanish businesses export to Morocco and In the first quarter of 2012, Spain's exports to Morocco grew 20% making the Maghreb country the second main non-EU market after the United States, according to ANSAmed.

Long standing issues such as the status Cueta and Mellila and Western Sahara will be discussed but are unlikely to hinder agreements to increase business between the two countries whose proximity offers advantages to both parties. Spain has to increase its non EU  exports. there are 800,000 Moroccans living and working in Spain.Action on illegal immigration and drug smuggling will also be on the agenda.

"This is a good time for us. The crisis in Europe has provided opportunities and sensitive topics are less affected. This brings our companies to look outside the EU, and in this case, it begins with its neighbors."Alberto Navarro, Spanish ambassador to Morocco, told AFP.

The 10th high-level meeting between Morocco and Spain under the chairmanship of the heads of governments of the two countries, Mr.. Abdelilah Benkirane and Mariano Rajoy  will promote a strategic repprochment and trade and business between the two close neighbours. Seven Spanish Ministers are participating in the meeting with 50 Spanish companies. multiple agreements are expected to be signed including possibly an agreement on visas.