Strengthening Ties Between Morocco and Spain
On September 10th, the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad issued a statement outlining the latest developments in the relationship between Morocco and Spain. The ministry emphasized that the Kingdom of Morocco has made a sovereign decision to foster a relationship with the Kingdom of Spain based on good geographical proximity, political unity, economic partnership, and collaborative security efforts. This strategic orientation was solidified on April 7, 2022, through a Joint Declaration that emerged from a meeting between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
This declaration marked the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations, characterized by mutual respect and trust, ongoing dialogue, and the aim of creating a partnership beneficial to both nations. The statement noted that through this approach, both countries have successfully nurtured what connects them while managing their differences in a calm and respectful manner, without the intent of creating facts on the ground.
Significant outcomes have been achieved, particularly in the economic realm, with Spain recognized as Morocco's most important economic partner, while Morocco stands as Spain's second most critical trading partner outside the European Union. In terms of security, Moroccan security forces have saved lives and dismantled terrorist and criminal networks, often at the cost of human and material sacrifices, by effectively discovering and neutralizing such threats.
Addressing Challenges and Concerns
The ministry also pointed out that cooperation on migration has consistently been coordinated and efficient. However, it is deemed necessary to thoroughly investigate the unfortunate events from the previous July to clarify the circumstances, uncover interference, identify manipulations, and, most importantly, ensure that such incidents do not recur. Following this, Rabat raised direct questions to Madrid, such as: Why do accusations against Morocco persist despite the absence of data or reports implicating Moroccan authorities? Why are illegal migrants not being repatriated, despite Morocco's official commitment to accept them back? Why are families keeping unaccompanied minors away, even though Morocco has strongly requested their return? The ministry sees the answers to these questions lying not within Morocco, but rather among the relevant Spanish actors.
Morocco expressed regret over the political and media actors in Spain who insist on instrumentalizing the Kingdom for internal political purposes. It is particularly disheartening that established parties, which should understand how to conduct governmental affairs, have become embroiled in a quagmire where unreasonable and populist rhetoric outweighs common sense. Furthermore, it is unfortunate that esteemed legislative and judicial institutions are engaging in unfortunate initiatives that promote discord. These excesses, where the judgment of simplification takes precedence over an objective analysis of accusations, form part of a strategy of fear that ultimately harms everyone, according to the ministry.
Finally, the Kingdom of Morocco reaffirms its refusal to be used as a campaign tool and rejects being made a scapegoat for political reckoning. Geographical proximity is an unchangeable reality; however, it is up to politicians to transform this proximity into an advantage for the future through courage and vision. Conversely, warns the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strategic blindness could turn this asset into a source of chronic mistrust and recurring tensions.
As reported by pressnetwork.de.
