Spain and Morocco reinforce their cooperation in animal and plant health and in the development of agricultural sectors

This memorandum of understanding for collaboration in the sanitary and phytosanitary fields and in the knowledge and development of animal and plant production is part of the 12th High Level Meeting (HLM) between the governments of the two countries, which was held in Rabat.

In his speech to the RAN plenary, Minister Luis Planas stressed that this memorandum consolidates the close cooperation between two countries that share many common interests, and he referred in particular to the understanding on animal and plant health issues, which is fundamental because diseases know no geographical boundaries. He underlined that the framework of cordiality, respect and mutual interest facilitates understanding between the two countries.

The minister also highlighted the importance of the two countries working together to improve the sustainability of crop fertilisation in research and innovation centres. He reiterated that fertilisers play a key role in achieving a level of agricultural production that stabilises markets and ensures food security.

The memorandum defines as areas of cooperation the development of projects for the modernisation of agricultural and livestock farms, improving product quality and increasing its value, animal health, genetic improvement, food, animal welfare and plant health and protection.

It also provides for the establishment of cooperation mechanisms in the field of scientific research and the exchange of knowledge and experience in the incorporation of new technologies in livestock production and the monitoring and control of animal diseases and zoonoses.

The agreement stipulates that specific programmes will be implemented in animal health and welfare (diagnostic epidemiological surveillance, design of strategies in the fight against cross border diseases, among other issues) and plant health and control of seeds and plants (strengthening the exchange of information on phytosanitary situations and surveillance and control capacities).

It also envisages the implementation of food safety programmes, such as the adoption of specific models of certificates, and the development of IT systems to facilitate the management and communication of animal health alerts and the sanitary control of goods.

The bilateral meeting held by the ministers before the plenary session also addressed the future renewal of the fisheries agreement between the European Union and Morocco, the importance of which goes beyond the sphere of fisheries in its strictest sense, according to Luis Planas, as it is an element that forms part of the centuries-old good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

In addition to the memorandum signed today, Spain and Morocco are currently working on the preparation of two other memoranda on maritime fisheries, aquaculture and the fight against illegal fishing, and on agriculture.

After the High Level Meeting, Luis Planas and Mohamed Sadiki travelled to Agadir, where they plan to visit the Halieutis Fair, where Spain is this year's guest of honour. This international fair on sea fishing, aquaculture and the valuation of fishery products is devoting a large thematic area to sustainable development in its 6th edition.

Non official translation