The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, assured the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, that the military maneuvers initiated by the Moroccan Armed Forces off the coast of Western Sahara are taking place in areas far removed from Spanish waters. The President of the Canary Islands expressed his concerns about the lack of information regarding these maneuvers and the impact they may have on the region’s tourism industry. Albares and Clavijo discussed the importance of maintaining good relations with Morocco for Spain and the Canary Islands. They have agreed to meet in person soon to further address these issues.
The lack of information about the Moroccan military exercises near the coast of Western Sahara has raised concerns in the Canary Islands, particularly due to the proximity to their shores and the potential impact on tourism, the island’s main economic sector. The exercises are being conducted about 2.7 nautical miles from the coast near El Aaiún and Dajla. This comes in the context of a recent legal opinion by the Advocate General of the EU, Tamara Capeta, stating that the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement should be annulled as it did not respect the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people. This legal recommendation is awaiting a final ruling from the European Court of Justice.
President Clavijo had expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of information from the Spanish government regarding the Moroccan military drills and had requested a meeting with Foreign Minister Albares to address these concerns. The Spanish government is committed to transparency and cooperation with regional authorities to address issues related to security and sovereignty. The impact of these exercises on the Canary Islands, both in terms of security and economic stability, is a matter of priority for both the central and regional governments.
The close proximity of the military maneuvers to the Canary Islands has prompted President Clavijo to seek clarification and reassurance from Foreign Minister Albares. The ongoing political developments in the region, including the situation in Senegal and the Sahel, are also of interest to regional authorities. The meeting between Albares and Clavijo is aimed at fostering communication and coordination on these key issues. Despite the challenges posed by the military exercises, both parties remain committed to maintaining constructive relations with Morocco and addressing any potential threats to regional stability.
The commitment to maintaining good relations with Morocco and ensuring the security and prosperity of the Canary Islands is a shared goal between the central and regional governments. The need for transparency and communication in addressing security concerns and potential threats is paramount. The upcoming meeting between Albares and Clavijo will offer an opportunity to further discuss these issues and establish a framework for ongoing cooperation. Addressing the impact of the military exercises on the region’s economy and security is a priority for all parties involved.
