Rabat, Madrid sign economic deals during Spanish King's visit to Morocco

Morocco and Spain have signed a series of agreements tackling crime, energy, trade and other issues during a visit of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to Rabat.

The two countries have launched an economic council to reinforce cooperation and agreed to facilitate the flow of passengers and trade in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Spain is Morocco's top trade partner, with both countries receiving the majority of their imports from each other.

The two countries also share close diplomatic ties, with a strong interest in migration and security issues.

Spain's two port territories Ceuta and Melilla which border Morocco are crucial for discussions on immigration. Migrants have looked towards the territories as an entry point to the EU, but in order to cross into Spain, they must scale six-meter high razor-wire fences which separate the Spanish enclaves from Morocco. Others attempt to reach Spain by sea.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Morocco in November 2018 to discuss fighting illegal immigration and smuggling rings.

Morocco stopped more than 68,000 people attempting to migrate to Spain illegally in 2018. Almost the same number of migrants and refugees arrived in Spain successfully that year, according to the International Organisation of Migration. More than 5,000 have entered in Spain in 2019 so far.

This marks the second visit of the Spanish royals to Morocco since Felipe's ascension to the throne in 2014. They will return to Spain on Thursday following a dinner ceremony hosted by Moroccan King Mohammed VI.