Political analysts and university professors have emphasized that Morocco has conveyed several important messages to Spain through the recent clarifications issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the latest developments in Moroccan-Spanish relations. Foremost among these messages is a reminder of the provisions of the joint declaration made in 2022 and a firm rejection of any attempts to use Morocco as a political pawn in Spain's electoral landscape.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Cooperation issued a statement addressing the recent tensions in Moroccan-Spanish relations, particularly in the context of increasing attacks from Spanish right-wing parties against Morocco and its institutions. These parties have attempted to hold Morocco responsible for the mass migration flows to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which occurred in late July.
Reiterating Commitments
Abbas El Ouardi, a political analyst and professor of public law at Mohammed V University in Rabat, noted that the statement highlighted several strategic points, particularly the historical geopolitical and strategic relationship that Morocco shares with Spain as its neighbor. El Ouardi explained that Morocco reiterated the importance of the agreement signed in the presence of His Majesty the King and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, which emphasizes the need for a relationship based on trust, cooperation, and a diplomatic approach to managing differences. Importantly, the statement also underscores Morocco's refusal to accept a policy of fait accompli, thereby affirming the necessity of framing relations within a diplomatic context characterized by respect and state-to-state logic.
Moreover, the political analyst stressed that Morocco's official response firmly rejects any attempts to undermine the relationship in the context of Spain's electoral struggles. He pointed out that given the rapidly evolving political landscape in Spain, particularly following the migration crisis to Ceuta, this Moroccan response comes after a long period of thoughtful consideration. El Ouardi further emphasized Morocco's commitment to maintaining a productive relationship with a partner like Spain while also asserting its status as a nation of institutions, with the monarchy at the forefront, and recognizing the diverse areas of mutual interest that intersect between the two countries.
He concluded by stating that Morocco has not reached a point of conflict with Spain, but it is crucial to remember the operational, historical, institutional, and strategic frameworks that should underpin Moroccan-Spanish relations to ensure they remain strong and strategic.
Rejection of Exploitation
Mohamed Nashtawi, a university professor and head of the Ibn Rushd Center for Strategic Studies and Policy Analysis, stated that Morocco's official response to the consequences of the mass migration crisis towards the occupied city of Ceuta in Spain adopted a calm and credible approach, presenting facts and data related to economics, security, and migration to counter the misleading narratives propagated by the media and many Spanish political parties. However, Nashtawi noted that this approach is firm in its essence, affirming that Morocco refuses to be used as an electoral tool or a scapegoat for internal conflicts.
He argued that Morocco's stance stems from its long-standing experience and recognition that its relationship with Spain is complex, built upon a significant historical baggage along with mutual sensitivities and caution. Furthermore, he emphasized that Morocco distances itself from being a topic of competition between the left and the right or between populists and extremists, and it is fully aware that any Spanish political leader, regardless of their political orientation, will confront a changing reality that is not dictated by slogans or outcries but rather by a neighboring Morocco and an economic partner. Notably, Spain stands as Morocco's primary economic partner, with Spanish exports to Morocco exceeding $12 billion.
Nashtawi added that the Moroccan statement arrives at a time when Spain appears to be playing its cards against Morocco, referencing the proposal to grant citizenship to Sahrawis and the renewed relationship with Algeria. He emphasized that the joint declaration issued on April 7, 2022, following a meeting between King Mohammed VI and the Spanish Prime Minister, is becoming weakened under the pressures exerted on the Spanish government to blame Morocco for the events in Ceuta, all without any proper documentation or evidence of Morocco's involvement. He concluded that this statement resets the trajectory of relations to its foundational principles while asserting Morocco's complete detachment from the internal disputes within Spain and its refusal to be a catalyst for conflict between Spanish socialists and right-wing parties.
As reported by hespress.com.
