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Spain and Morocco have been planning to construct a 40-kilometer tunnel to link the two countries under the Strait of Gibraltar since 1979. It has been reported that after a recent meeting between Spain’s Minister of Transport Raquel Sanchez and his Moroccan counterpart Nizar Baraka, both Ministers have decided to revive the project.
Spain and Morocco have been planning to construct a 40-kilometer tunnel to link the two countries under the Strait of Gibraltar since 1979. The project was viewed as a strategic one not only for Spain and Morocco but also for Europe and Africa. It has been reported that after a recent meeting between Spain’s Minister of Transport Raquel Sanchez and his Moroccan counterpart Nizar Baraka, both Ministers have decided to revive the project.
The project could not progress due to various diplomatic challenges from both sides despite funding support from institutions such as the World Bank, European Investment Bank, and African Development Fund. It is hoped that the proposal will see light in view of the recently improved diplomatic relations since March 2022 after Spain supported Morocco’s Autonomy Plan on its stance regarding the Western Sahara dispute.
Last week senior officials, and heads of government of both Morocco and Spain, met in Rabat for an economic Forum and signed 19 bilateral cooperation agreements. www.trendsnafrica also reported about the recent visit of the Spanish Prime Minister to Rabat.
The tunnel project, once it materialises, is expected to benefit both sides, by offering better usage of storage and transport infrastructures, as well as lower the cost of shipments. It also has the potential to enhance investment and trade between the two countries as also between Europe and Africa as Morocco is regarded as a gateway for Europe to Africa.
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Although the depth of the Strait of Gibraltar, as well as its wind and wave patterns, have been pointed out as difficulties in the construction of the tunnel, experts feel that the tunnel remains “feasible.” The UK, which controls Gibraltar, has expressed its interest in the tunnel in light of its increased cooperation with Morocco.
