Recent Developments in Moroccan-Spanish Relations
On September 10th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Morocco released a statement addressing the recent developments in the bilateral relations between Morocco and Spain. This statement comes after a summer filled with significant events, including a large influx of migrants into Ceuta on July 30th and 31st, accusations from various segments of the Spanish political class and media directed at Rabat, and the passage of a law earlier that same day granting Spanish citizenship to Sahrawis born before 1977. The Ministry first emphasizes the context of these relations, stating that Morocco has "sovereignly chosen to engage with the Kingdom of Spain in a relationship characterized by good geographical neighborliness, political understanding, economic partnership, and security cooperation." This commitment was underscored by the joint declaration on April 7, 2022, between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Since then, according to Rabat, both countries have worked "vigorously to cultivate what unites them while addressing their differences with serenity and respect." The Ministry highlights Spain's status as Morocco's primary economic partner, its role as the second-largest trading partner of Spain outside the European Union, and the security cooperation that has "saved lives.
Addressing the Migration Issue
The statement shifts focus when addressing the migration issue specifically. The Ministry raises three critical questions regarding the events in Ceuta in July: "Why maintain the indictment against Morocco when no evidence or report establishes any involvement of Moroccan authorities? Why are illegal migrants not being turned back, even though the Moroccan government has officially committed to their readmission? Why are unaccompanied minors kept away from their families when Morocco has urgently requested their return?" The communiqué further asserts that the truth regarding these matters "is not to be found in Morocco, but rather among Spanish actors." Rabat expresses regret that certain political and media circles in Spain continue to exploit Morocco for internal agendas, questioning how "historical parties—despite their experience in governance—could fall into this quagmire where unreasonable populism overshadows common sense." It also criticizes "honorable legislative and judicial institutions for engaging in unfortunate initiatives that foster discord." No specific parties or institutions are named in this context.
The conclusion of the statement is pointed: "The Kingdom of Morocco refuses to be a pre-electoral commodity and will not accept being the scapegoat for political vendettas." Additionally, it issues a warning: "Strategic blindness will turn this capital into a source of chronic mistrust and recurring tensions."
As reported by telquel.ma.
