More than two years after the normalization of relations between Morocco and Spain and the adoption of a new roadmap defining common objectives, including the delimitation of territorial waters, the two countries are preparing to conclude an important agreement in this regard.
According to unofficial sources reported by “Alalam 24” agency, there are leaks about an imminent agreement between Morocco and Spain concerning the demarcation of maritime borders. This agreement aims to organize the exploitation of maritime resources and protect the natural wealth in the region, with a particular focus on Mount Tropic, considered one of the richest mineral areas in the world.
If this agreement is signed, it could position Morocco as a key player in the global rare minerals market, enhancing its negotiating power with major economic partners such as China and Europe. The agreement will also strengthen the kingdom’s national sovereignty over its natural resources, contribute to accelerating economic development, and enhance the country’s ability to attract new investments in future industrial sectors.
It’s worth noting that Morocco had approved two laws in 2020 relating to the delimitation of its territorial waters, including waters around the archipelago in Spain’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). However, the conflict with the Canary Islands over this issue led the kingdom to postpone the implementation of these laws in order to reach an agreement with the archipelago, which wishes the delimitation to be carried out in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Until now, Morocco and Spain continue to face difficulties in agreeing on the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla, the Chafarinas Islands, Perejil Island, and the rocks of Velez de la Gomera and Al Hoceima, which are claimed by the Moroccan kingdom.
This development comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and open new horizons for cooperation between the two countries in multiple areas, including fishing and mineral exploration.