Morocco Reaffirms Commitment to Spain Partnership Amid Bilateral Tensions
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and strengthening its partnership with Spain, while rejecting what it described as attempts by political and media circles to use Morocco for domestic political purposes.
In a statement on recent developments in Morocco-Spain relations, Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad said Rabat remained committed to developing relations with Madrid on the basis of good-neighbourly ties, political understanding, economic partnership and security cooperation.
The ministry said the April 7, 2022 joint declaration between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had established the foundation for a new phase in bilateral relations based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, continued dialogue and a shared commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership.
According to the ministry, this approach has enabled the two countries to strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest while managing differences through dialogue and mutual respect rather than unilateral measures.
Morocco highlighted the significant results achieved through bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and security fields. It noted that Spain is Morocco’s leading economic partner, while Morocco is Spain’s second-largest trading partner outside the European Union.
The ministry also emphasized the importance of security cooperation between the two countries, stating that joint efforts have contributed to saving lives and dismantling terrorist and criminal networks, including through significant efforts by Moroccan security forces.
Migration Cooperation Under Scrutiny
Regarding migration, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry described bilateral cooperation as coordinated and effective, while calling for a comprehensive investigation into the events that occurred in July.
The ministry said the investigation should establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents, determine whether any interference or manipulation occurred and help prevent similar developments in the future.
Rabat also rejected allegations concerning the involvement of Moroccan authorities, arguing that no facts or reports had established such involvement. It questioned why irregular migrants had not been returned despite Morocco’s stated commitment to readmit them, and why unaccompanied minors remained separated from their families despite Moroccan calls for their return.
The ministry maintained that responsibility for addressing these issues should be sought from the relevant Spanish authorities rather than attributed to Morocco.
Concerns Over Political Rhetoric
Morocco also criticized what it described as the instrumentalization of the country by certain Spanish political and media circles for domestic political purposes.
The ministry warned that populist rhetoric and initiatives by some political, legislative and judicial actors could undermine the bilateral relationship and weaken the progress achieved since 2022.
The latest tensions have emerged against the backdrop of a broader debate in Spain concerning migration, Western Sahara and Morocco’s role in regional affairs. Recent developments have raised concerns in Rabat that relations could face a prolonged period of uncertainty.
The Moroccan Foreign Ministry nevertheless stressed that geographical proximity between Morocco and Spain is permanent and argued that political leadership will determine whether this proximity becomes an asset for the future or a source of recurring mistrust and tension.
Morocco’s latest position underscores Rabat’s intention to preserve the strategic framework established in 2022 while addressing emerging disputes through dialogue, mutual respect and continued bilateral cooperation.
