Political analysts and university professors have noted that Morocco, through the clarifications issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the recent developments in Moroccan-Spanish relations, sent several significant messages to Spain. Foremost among these was a reminder of the provisions of the joint declaration from 2022 and a resolute rejection of any attempts to use Morocco as a pawn in the Spanish political landscape. This assertion comes in light of increasing attacks from Spanish right-wing parties against Morocco and its institutions, particularly in the context of the collective influx of migrants to the occupied city of Ceuta at the end of July.
Reaffirming Commitments
Abbas El Wardy, a political analyst and professor of public law at Mohammed V University in Rabat, highlighted that the statement emphasized strategic points, notably the historical geopolitical relationship that Morocco shares with the Iberian nation as a neighboring state. He elaborated in an interview that Morocco was reiterating the need for a relationship based on trust, cooperation, and the diplomatic management of differences, as stipulated in the agreement signed in the presence of King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Another crucial aspect of the statement was Morocco's rejection of any fait accompli policy, reinforcing the necessity for diplomatic relations grounded in respect and mutual recognition between sovereign states. El Wardy underscored that Morocco's official response aims to thwart attempts to undermine its relations with Spain amid an electoral landscape dominated by political maneuvering. He observed that this response comes after a period of careful consideration and reflects Morocco's commitment to maintaining a constructive relationship with a partner nation like Spain, while simultaneously affirming its status as an institutional state, led primarily by the monarchy. He concluded by stating that Morocco has not reached a point of contention with Spain, emphasizing that it is crucial for the two nations to build their relationship on solid, historical, and institutional foundations to ensure its resilience and strategic importance.
Rejecting Exploitation
Mohamed Nashtawi, a university professor and head of the Ibn Rushd Center for Strategic Studies and Policy Analysis, remarked that Morocco's official response to the implications of the migrant crisis in Ceuta employed a calm and credible approach grounded in presenting facts and data related to economic and security matters, as well as migration, to counter misleading narratives propagated by the media and various Spanish political parties. However, he pointed out that this approach is also firm in its essence, affirming that Morocco will not tolerate being used as an electoral tool or scapegoat for internal conflicts. Nashtawi emphasized that Morocco's strategy stems from its long-standing experience with Spain, acknowledging that their relationship is complex, steeped in a significant historical context, and characterized by mutual sensitivities and caution. He further noted that Morocco distances itself from becoming an object of competition between left and right factions or between populists and extremists, understanding that any Spanish political leader, regardless of their orientation, will have to face a changing reality defined by a neighboring Morocco and economic partner. He highlighted that Spain is Morocco's leading economic partner, with Spanish exports to the kingdom exceeding $12 billion. Nashtawi indicated that the Moroccan statement comes at a time when Spain seems to be playing its cards against Morocco, pointing to projects such as granting citizenship to Sahrawis and renewing relations with Algeria. He stressed that the joint declaration between the two countries, issued on April 7, 2022, following the meeting between King Mohammed VI and the Spanish Prime Minister, is being weakened by pressures on the Spanish government to hold Morocco accountable for the events in Ceuta, despite a lack of evidence or documentation implicating the kingdom. He concluded by stating that this announcement serves to realign the relationship to its foundational principles, asserting Morocco's position as distinct from the internal political struggles of Spain, and distancing itself from being a catalyst for the conflict between Spanish socialists and rightists.
As reported by hespress.com.
