The Moroccan-Spanish Permanent Joint Migration Group held its 22nd meeting in Marrakech on Monday, co-chaired by Khalid Zerouali, Wali Director of Migration and Border Surveillance, and Pilar Cancela Rodriguez, Secretary of State for Migration, with the presence of Rafael Pérez Ruiz, Spanish Secretary of State for Security. Discussions covered the full scope of the migration partnership. The Spanish side expressed gratitude for Morocco's significant efforts in combating irregular migration, which have yielded tangible results, particularly on the Atlantic and Western Mediterranean routes. This has solidified Morocco's reputation as a reliable partner and a key player in regional security. In response to the shared challenges posed by migrant smuggling networks and the unstable regional environment, both parties agreed to enhance coordination and information-sharing mechanisms by renewing joint working arrangements at police cooperation centers, between liaison officers, and within joint patrols. Regarding regular migration, the two parties reviewed the success of the Moroccan-Spanish model for managing circular mobility and labor, which has been recognized at both European and international levels. Both sides committed to continuing their efforts in this area and exploring new ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in promoting controlled legal migration flows, in collaboration with all relevant operators and stakeholders. Additionally, both parties acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Moroccan community in Spain, recognizing its role in fostering cultural and civilizational ties. They also reaffirmed their commitment to regional and triangular cooperation on migration issues. In this context, both parties agreed to further intensify dialogue and coordination at international conferences and forums. The meeting also concluded with a decision to convene the various ad hoc joint subcommittees.
