In post since July in the government of socialist Pedro Sanchez, the former diplomat José Manuel Albares had to manage the crisis between his country and Morocco and the massive arrival of migrants, especially in the Canaries.
Tension is mounting between Morocco and Algeria. As a privileged partner of these two countries, how do you see the situation?
When tensions arise between two strategic partners for Spain and for the whole Mediterranean over stability, development and prosperity, it is obvious that Spain follows this with concern. We will try to ensure that these do not lead to any form of escalation.
Algeria has closed the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline. What are the consequences for Spain, which depends 50% on Algerian gas?
I moved to Algeria at the end of September. The Prime Minister and my Algerian counterpart guaranteed us the gas supply. So we have no concerns. As for the question of cost, it is fixed by contracts signed with companies in the sector and we have received a guarantee that they will be honored. In general, we are very satisfied with the response from Algeria.
After welcoming the leader of the Polisario Front in April to be treated for Covid-19, Spain suffered reprisals from Morocco in the form of a massive entry of Moroccans into Ceuta. Where are relations with Morocco at?
All the signals we receive from Rabat are positive. I take it as proof the speech held by King Mohammed VI on August 20, in which he defined the relationship he wants and which is exactly what Spain wants: a relationship based on trust, transparency, mutual respect and without unilateral action.
The strengthening of controls on the Strait of Gibraltar has diverted entries to the Canaries, from 400 in 2017 to 23,000 in 2020. Isn’t collaboration on the migration issue lacking?
Morocco has continued to be a fundamental partner in controlling migratory flows since this summer, particularly in Ceuta and Melilla. But migratory movements always move in search of new paths to cross the Mediterranean. This is nothing new. Sometimes it’s the north of Morocco, other times Libya, now the Canaries… We are facing a structural problem. And as long as the inequalities between Africa and Europe are what they are, it will remain so. However, while cyclical problems have solutions, structural problems must be managed.
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