In a statement released on September 10, 2023, the Moroccan government firmly denied any involvement in the mass influx of migrants towards the Spanish enclave of Ceuta that occurred in late July. The government expressed its frustration over attempts to portray Morocco as a "scapegoat" in the context of political vendettas in Spain. This statement marks a significant response to allegations that have been circulating in recent weeks, emphasizing Morocco's stance on the matter.
The Moroccan authorities asserted that there is no evidence linking them to the migration surge towards Ceuta. The official statement highlighted a call for clarity, questioning why Morocco continues to face accusations without any factual basis or reports substantiating such claims. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as noted in the official news agency MAP, stressed the importance of addressing these allegations directly, urging for a rational discourse devoid of unfounded accusations.
Geopolitical Relations and Cooperation with Spain
Continuing its defense, the statement reiterated Morocco's refusal to serve as a bargaining chip ahead of elections and its commitment to fostering a relationship of good neighborliness with Spain. This declaration is particularly significant as it is the first of its kind since the crisis in late July, providing a public overview of Morocco's diplomatic relations with Spain. The government emphasized that Morocco has chosen to engage with Spain based on mutual respect and trust, navigating political understanding and economic partnership, alongside security cooperation.
The Ministry stated that this approach was encapsulated in a joint declaration made on April 7, 2022, following a meeting between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. This declaration marked a new phase in bilateral relations, rooted in fundamental principles of mutual respect and ongoing dialogue, aiming for a partnership that benefits both nations.
Morocco's Foreign Affairs Ministry outlined that this cooperative approach has led to tangible results, especially in economic realms, with Spain being Morocco's foremost economic partner and the second largest commercial partner outside the European Union. The collaboration extends to security, where joint efforts have saved lives and dismantled terrorist and criminal networks, often at a human and material cost to Moroccan forces.
Effective Migration Cooperation
The ministry emphasized that Morocco's cooperation on migration has always been coordinated and effective. It acknowledged the unfortunate events of July as necessitating a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding them, identify the involved parties, and condemn any manipulative tactics, while importantly ensuring such occurrences do not repeat. The Moroccan government raised critical questions regarding the handling of irregular migrants, questioning why they were not repatriated despite Morocco's official commitment to welcome them back, and why unaccompanied minors remained in Spain despite Morocco's urgent requests for their return.
In closing, the statement underscored the reality of geographical proximity as an unchangeable fact, asserting that political leaders have the power to transform this proximity into a resource for the future through vision and courage. Conversely, strategic blindness could turn this resource into a source of chronic mistrust and recurring tensions.
As reported by infomigrants.net.
