Morocco reaffirms partnership with Spain against political posturing on migration
The ministry stated in a press release that “the Kingdom of Morocco has sovereignly chosen to engage with the Kingdom of Spain in a relationship of geographical good neighborliness, political understanding, economic partnership, and security cooperation. This orientation found its highest expression in the Joint Declaration issued on April 7, 2022, following the meeting between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.”
It noted that “this declaration enshrined a new phase in bilateral relations, based on fundamental principles of mutual respect and trust, continuous dialogue, and the aspiration for a mutually beneficial partnership.”
On the other hand, the ministry clarified that, thanks to this approach, both countries have successfully, with determination and resolve, strengthened their common ground and contained their differences to address them with considerable maturity and respect, far from any tendency to impose fait accompli.
Thus, tangible results have been achieved, particularly at the economic level (Spain is Morocco’s primary economic partner; and Morocco is Spain’s second-largest trading partner outside the European Union) and in security cooperation (where human lives have been saved and terrorist and criminal networks dismantled, largely at the expense of human and material losses suffered by Moroccan forces).
Furthermore, the ministry highlighted that cooperation in the field of migration has always been coordinated and effective, noting that the unfortunate events that occurred last July undoubtedly require a thorough study to determine the circumstances, identify the actors involved, condemn the maneuvers, and, above all, ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
The statement continued, “Now, away from any controversy and debate, the voice of reason and a discourse of candor demand that direct questions be posed: Why is Morocco continue to be accused in the absence of any data, facts, or reports proving any involvement of Moroccan authorities? Why have irregular migrants not been repatriated, given that the Moroccan government has officially committed to readmitting them? Why are unaccompanied minors kept away from their families, despite Morocco’s urgent calls for their return?” It stressed that the answers to these questions should not be sought in Morocco, but rather among the relevant Spanish actors.
In a fourth point, the statement added that Morocco expressed regret over the continued use of the Kingdom by certain Spanish political and media circles to serve domestic agendas, noting with deep dismay that historic parties, presumably experienced in governance, have fallen into this quagmire, where irrational populism and political posturing overshadow the voice of reason.
These deviations, where dismissiveness replaces insight and accusations replace objective analysis, are part of a strategy of intimidation that harms everyone.
In a fifth point, “Morocco refuses to be a commercial scapegoat ahead of elections. It also refuses to serve as a scapegoat for settling political scores.”
