The Former Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, was invited to Morocco to participate in the "Parliamentary Forum for Social Justice" which was held in Rabat from the 19th until the 20th of February. The forum was organized by the House of Councilors (upper house of the Moroccan parliament). The forum topics were based on social justice, such as equality of opportunities and equality between men and women among other things.

During his speech, Zapatero encouraged Morocco to strengthen and consolidate the rights of women and gender equality in order to promote its social development. President Zapatero stated:

“Morocco is a young political and social country in the matter of development that still strives to enhance its current situation, which could be more easily achieved once gender equality and the rights of women are established.”

He also highlighted the importance of dedicating half of the state budget to the social sectors and made a call to Spanish companies investing in North African countries and especially in Morocco, to make a commitment to social justice. In addition, president Zapatero insisted on the fact that social justice starts with education, confronting school dropout, equality of opportunities, creating a balanced system of pensions and with healthcare protection.

President Zapatero has always emphasized the idea that Morocco is a key country for Spain and has declared himself many times as a good friend of Morocco. During this forum, he reiterated his pride for this friendship and pointed out that Spain is very grateful to this country for their cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Zapatero is considered according to the president of the House of Councilors, Benchemas Hakim, as the most important forum guest among other important personalities who were present. It is the fourth time in less than two years that Zapatero has been officially invited by Morocco to participate in events of all kinds, from cultural festivals to political forums.