The long-awaited high level meeting between the governments of Spain and Morocco is set to take place in Rabat on February 1 and 2, confirmed by Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. After repeated postponements caused by deep diplomatic frictions, the gathering will bring together Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and a delegation of about a dozen ministers with their Moroccan counterparts. The session marks a crucial step toward unblocking a shared agenda that has faced interruptions for months, including periods of diplomatic withdrawal and public disagreements. The Moroccan delegation will be led by Chief Executive Officer Aziz Akhannouch, signaling a renewed commitment to a cooperative path between the two nations. This summit aims to reestablish regular dialogue and advance practical cooperation on a wide range of topics that matter to both sides. [Source: Spanish Foreign Ministry]
Among the central topics expected to be addressed are the resumption of normal and commercial traffic across the Ceuta and Melilla border crossings, which have been tightly restricted in recent years. The talks will also explore the potential creation or renewal of certain customs arrangements for both autonomous cities. Morocco seeks to balance the flow of goods and people, mindful of competition from Moroccan ports such as Tanger Med, and to ensure that Spain does not disproportionately expand its use of port facilities at the expense of other regional hubs. There is also a push to modernize and rationalize the traditional cross-border trade carried out by workers known locally as porters who shuttle goods across the land border. Another sensitive issue is the delimitation of waters between the Moroccan coast and the Canary Islands, a topic that has been revisited in working groups formed after the renewal of diplomatic ties last March. [Source: Moroccan government briefings]
In the wake of Spain supporting Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara rather than a self determination referendum, Rabat took steps to restore its ambassador to Madrid after a period of diplomatic recall. Madrid had previously allowed the Sahrawi leadership to receive medical treatment in Logroño, a move that complicated relations. Since then Rabat has linked the decision to a broader dialogue, while noting concerns over migratory pressures and regional stability. A recent letter from the Spanish prime minister to the King of Morocco described Rabat’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as a serious and pragmatic solution to the historic dispute, a stance that continues to influence bilateral dynamics. [Source: European diplomatic communiqués]
April will see Mohamed invite Sánchez to Rabat for what will be the first official visit in years. The February RAN is expected to lay the groundwork for a roadmap that anticipates the full normalization of movement of people and goods, with appropriate customs and human control mechanisms at land and sea borders. The discussions will also touch on restoring regular air and sea travel, reestablishing flight frequencies, and aligning airspace arrangements. Signals from both sides emphasize practical cooperation and a shared commitment to stability across the region, with a focus on predictable and secure cross-border activity. [Source: State press services]
One of the key issues emphasized by Spanish diplomacy is the management of irregular migration, which remains highly sensitive and partly dependent on Moroccan border control. The parties are expected to renew and strengthen cooperation in migration oversight, building on existing frameworks for Halladar cooperation and the Hispano-Moroccan Permanent Group on migrations. The aim is to create stronger, safer, and more orderly migration channels while addressing humanitarian concerns and regional security. [Source: regional migration task force]
Historically, the RAN has convened at irregular intervals, with the last major meeting in 2015 and subsequent postponements due to the Covid-19 pandemic and related political shifts. February’s summit could mark a turning point in bilateral relations, potentially setting the course for a new generation of cooperation across security, economy, and people-to-people ties. As Algeria watches closely from the sidelines, Madrid and Rabat appear poised to pursue a pragmatic path that supports shared interests and regional stability, while navigating sensitive questions on energy, trade routes, and cross-border management. [Source: regional policy briefings]