Fostering Cooperation between Morocco and Spain
The Canarian Sahrawi Forum (Focasa), an association based in the Canary Islands, issued a call on Saturday, September 12, advocating for the resolution of disagreements between Morocco and Spain through institutional mechanisms, ongoing dialogue, and enhanced cooperation. This announcement was disseminated via the Spanish news agency Europa Press.
Focasa emphasized the necessity of maintaining a climate of cooperation between the two nations, especially in light of what it characterizes as the increasing use of bilateral relations as a tool for political and media confrontation. This statement followed remarks made by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the current state of Hispano-Moroccan relations and the events that transpired in Ceuta at the end of July.
Identifying Common Interests
The organization identified four key areas that it considers to be of "common interest": security, migration management, economic relations, and the fight against criminal networks. According to Focasa, the continuity of cooperation in these domains should not be contingent upon internal political rivalries or temporary crises that may arise within Spanish public discourse.
Focasa cautioned against the "tendency to automatically interpret every incident related to Morocco as a threat, confrontation, or ongoing suspicion." This perspective, they argue, complicates a rational analysis of events and risks damaging a strategic relationship that requires responsibility from both parties.
Highlighting the "particular importance of this issue for the Canary Islands," Focasa referred to the geographical proximity of the archipelago to Morocco and the resulting interests in security, immigration, air and maritime links, trade exchanges, and cooperation in the Atlantic space.
The association believes that both states share interests that "transcend any temporary crisis," asserting that a relationship founded on mutual respect, cooperation, and dialogue remains the "most beneficial option for both countries and, particularly, for the Canary Islands." As reported by barlamane.com.
