Jiménez told daily "ABC" that the Kingdom is a very important country in the Mediterranean basin.

    She also told the paper "Publico" that the north African country is a neighboring state with which Spain has good relations in many areas.

    On the Sahara issue, the Minister said that her country calls for a realistic solution and endeavors to help the parties reach an agreement under the aegis of the UN.

    She commended the parties' decision to continue the negotiations on the Sahara.

    Following the fourth round of informal negotiations on December 16-18 in Manhasset (New York), the UNSG's personal envoy Christopher Ross announced that other informal talks on the Sahara are scheduled for January 21-22 and March 2011.