Morocco warns against strained relations with Spain and rejects being used as a "scapegoat"

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to a relationship of good neighborliness, trust and cooperation with Spain, but expressed concern about what it considers a growing political and media instrumentalization of the Kingdom in Spain.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry recalls that the current rapprochement between the two countries was consolidated by the “Joint Declaration of April 7, 2022,” signed after the meeting between King Mohammed VI and the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez. The understanding is based on mutual respect, permanent dialogue, trust, and a partnership considered advantageous for both parties.

According to Rabat, this strategy has allowed for concrete progress, especially in the economic and security areas. Spain is currently presented as Morocco's main economic partner, while the Kingdom is Spain's second largest trading partner outside the European Union. Security cooperation is also highlighted, with reference to the dismantling of terrorist and criminal networks and the saving of lives.

 Migration continues to be a point of tension.

The Ministry acknowledges, however, that migration cooperation, despite being traditionally coordinated, was marked by the events of last July, which, in its assessment, require a thorough investigation to clarify responsibilities, possible interference, and manipulation.

Rabat questions the continued accusations against Morocco in the absence, it claims, of data or reports proving the involvement of Moroccan authorities. The Moroccan government also questions why irregular migrants are not repatriated, despite Morocco's official willingness to readmit them, and why unaccompanied minors remain separated from their families, despite repatriation requests submitted by the Kingdom.

Criticisms of Spanish politics

The statement also criticizes sectors of Spanish politics, media, legislation, and the judiciary that, according to Rabat, are transforming Morocco into an instrument of internal political disputes. The Ministry considers that this approach fuels a "strategy of fear," replacing dialogue and objective analysis with accusations and populist rhetoric.

Morocco therefore makes it clear that it *does not accept being used as an electoral tool or as a “scapegoat” for Spanish political disputes*.

Despite the differences, Rabat defends the preservation of the bilateral partnership, emphasizing that the geographical proximity between the two countries is a permanent reality. According to the Ministry, it is up to the political leaders to transform this reality into a factor of cooperation and stability, otherwise the lack of strategic vision risks generating *recurring distrust and tensions* between the two neighbors.