Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
During a recent press conference in New York, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita reiterated Morocco's unwavering dedication to the diplomatic roadmap established with Spain in April 2022. This reaffirmation comes as a response to ongoing criticisms from certain Spanish politicians who leverage cross-strait relations for partisan purposes. Following bilateral talks with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Bourita emphasized that the historic April 2022 Joint Declaration, crafted between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, serves as an essential foundation for modern Moroccan-Spanish relations.
Bourita highlighted the core tenets of the agreement, which include mutual respect, transparent dialogue, and a steadfast commitment to avoiding unilateral actions that could jeopardize cooperation. He noted that these principles have effectively shielded the partnership from recurrent crises, allowing both nations to navigate challenges collaboratively. "There are numerous areas of agreement where we can progress together," he asserted, pointing out that any points of contention are best addressed through continuous dialogue and genuine cooperation rather than through public discord.
Addressing Domestic Political Criticism
This diplomatic meeting unfolded amidst a climate of political debate within Spain, where conservative and regional opposition leaders frequently challenge Madrid's cooperative stance with Rabat on critical issues such as migration control and the complexities surrounding Western Sahara. Bourita directly confronted these domestic critics, stating, "A genuine partnership is not constructed on unfounded accusations and unproductive rhetoric." He expressed concern that certain political factions in Spain do not fully appreciate the strategic significance of the bilateral relationship and remain disconnected from contemporary realities. Bourita emphasized that intricate transnational security issues cannot be effectively managed through mere political posturing or baseless claims.
The foreign minister also addressed the contentious topic of repatriating irregular migrants and unaccompanied minors. He asserted that Morocco is fully prepared to accept its citizens and unaccompanied youth under safe and regulated circumstances, countering claims that Morocco delays the process. "If irregular migrants and minors are not being returned, that responsibility does not lie with Morocco, but rather with Spain," he stated unequivocally. Bourita clarified that the delays in such transfers stem from internal administrative challenges, legal obstacles, and political tensions among Spain's regional autonomous communities, which share custody responsibilities for unaccompanied foreign minors.
The diplomatic exchanges taking place in New York reinforce the positive trajectory that Rabat and Madrid have forged since overcoming their significant rift in 2021. With bilateral trade reaching unprecedented levels and both nations—alongside Portugal—collaborating on logistics, security, and infrastructure as co-hosts of the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup, the foreign ministries are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and protecting state-level cooperation from domestic electoral disputes.
As reported by middle-east-online.com.
