Political analysts and university professors have indicated that Morocco has sent several messages to Spain through the recent clarifications issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the latest developments in Moroccan-Spanish relations. These messages primarily include a reminder of the provisions of the joint declaration from 2022 and a firm rejection of the notion of turning Morocco into an electoral pawn in the Spanish political landscape.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates released a statement addressing the recent tensions in Moroccan-Spanish relations, particularly in light of increased attacks by Spanish right-wing parties on Morocco and its institutions, alongside attempts to hold Morocco responsible for the mass influx of migrants into the occupied city of Ceuta in late July.
Reaffirmation of Commitments
Abbas Elwardi, a political analyst and professor of public law at Mohammed V University in Rabat, noted that the statement emphasized strategic points, including the historical geopolitical and strategic relationship with Spain as a neighboring country. He further explained that Morocco recalled the obligations outlined in the agreement signed in the presence of His Majesty the King and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, which calls for building a relationship based on trust, cooperation, and diplomatic management of disagreements. Elwardi highlighted that a significant aspect of the statement is Morocco's refusal to accept a fait accompli, reiterating the need for relations to be framed within a diplomatic context characterized by mutual respect and state-to-state logic.
Moreover, Elwardi underscored that Morocco's official response rejected any attempt to undermine the relationship within an electoral battleground. He believes that in light of the rapid developments on the Spanish political stage since the crisis concerning the influx into Ceuta, this Moroccan response follows a long and measured reflection. He added that Morocco's approach to responding reflects its desire not to damage its relationship with a partner nation like Spain while simultaneously affirming its status as a state of institutions, paramount among them the monarchy. He stressed the diverse fields in which the interests of both countries intersect.
Elwardi concluded that Morocco has not reached a point of conflict with Spain, but it is crucial to recall the operational, historical, institutional, and strategic frameworks that should underpin Moroccan-Spanish relations to maintain their strength and strategic nature.
Rejection of 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 ramifications of the mass migration crisis towards Ceuta adopted a calm and reliable approach based on presenting facts and data related to the economy, security, and migration. This was intended to counter the misleading narratives perpetuated by the media and most Spanish political parties. However, Nashtawi emphasized that this approach is also stringent at its core, affirming that Morocco will not accept being used as an electoral tool or scapegoat for internal conflicts.
He noted that Morocco's stance stems from its experience and awareness that its relations with Spain are complex, shaped over many years by a significant historical burden, as well as mutual sensitivities and caution. Nashtawi added that Morocco distances itself from being a subject of competition between left and right or between populists and extremists. He understands that any Spanish politician, regardless of their orientation, will confront a changing reality upon assuming power—not governed by slogans and outcries, but rather by the fact of a neighboring and economically intertwined Morocco. He highlighted that Spain is Morocco's primary economic partner, with Spanish exports to the kingdom exceeding $12 billion.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the Moroccan statement comes at a time when Spain has begun to play its cards against Morocco, pointing to initiatives such as granting citizenship to Sahrawis and renewing relations with Algeria. He emphasized that the joint declaration issued on April 7, 2022, following the meeting between King Mohammed VI and the Spanish Prime Minister, is starting to weaken under pressures being exerted on the Spanish government to hold Morocco accountable for the events in Ceuta, without any documentation or evidence of the kingdom's involvement. Nashtawi concluded by stating that this declaration redirects the focus of relations back to their foundation, asserting that Morocco remains distant from the internal conflicts in Spain and refuses to be a cornerstone or a fuel for the strife between Spanish socialists and right-wing factions.
As reported by hespress.com.
