Morocco reaffirms commitment to relations with Spain amid crisis of illegal migrants flooding into Ceuta

Rabat, Sept 10 (KUNA) -- Morocco reaffirmed on Thursday its commitment to its relations with Spain, which are based on good neighborliness, political understanding, economic partnership, and security cooperation. The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Rabat remains steadfast in these relations in implementation of the joint declaration issued by the two countries on April 7, 2022, following the meeting between Moroccan King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. It clarified that this declaration laid the foundation for a new phase in bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust, and continuous dialogue. It added that this approach has enabled the two countries to develop their cooperation and address their differences, moving away from the logic of imposing fait accompli. It noted that bilateral relations have achieved tangible results, particularly in the economic field, as Spain is Morocco’s primary economic partner, while Morocco is Spain’s second-largest trading partner outside the European Union, alongside security cooperation that has contributed to saving lives and dismantling terrorist and criminal networks. Regarding migration, the statement affirmed that cooperation between the two countries has always been coordinated and effective, but the unfortunate events that occurred last July warrant a thorough study to determine the circumstances, identify the parties involved, and ensure they are not repeated. The statement expressed Morocco’s regret over the continued efforts by certain Spanish political and media circles to instrumentalize the Kingdom to serve domestic agendas, criticizing what it described as posturing on this issue. Moroccan-Spanish relations had recently experienced tensions in the wake of the repercussions of the migration crisis that took place in the city of Ceuta last July, along with the exchange of accusations regarding the conditions surrounding the influx of irregular migrants into Spanish territories. (End) M.R.Y. / S.A.M.