RABAT — September 11, 2026
Morocco has issued a detailed clarification on the latest developments in its relations with Spain, reaffirming its commitment to cooperation with its northern neighbor while strongly rejecting what it describes as unfounded accusations and politically motivated escalation.
In a statement released Thursday, Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates outlined the principles guiding relations between the two kingdoms and called for facts, dialogue and mutual respect to prevail over political rhetoric.
A Relationship Built on Cooperation
The ministry emphasized that Morocco has made a sovereign decision to pursue a relationship with Spain based on good-neighborly relations, political understanding, economic partnership and security cooperation.
According to the statement, this approach reached a new stage with the Joint Declaration of April 7, 2022, following the meeting between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The declaration established a framework centered on mutual respect, mutual trust, continuous dialogue and the goal of building a partnership that benefits both countries.
Economic and Security Ties
Rabat stressed that this approach has produced tangible results, particularly in economic and security cooperation.
The ministry noted that Spain is Morocco’s leading economic partner, while Morocco is Spain’s second-largest trading partner outside the European Union.
Security cooperation has also played a significant role in bilateral relations. Moroccan and Spanish authorities have worked together against terrorism and organized criminal networks, with Moroccan security forces at times suffering casualties and material losses during such operations.
Morocco argued that these achievements demonstrate the practical importance of maintaining constructive relations between the two neighboring countries.
Migration Cooperation Under Scrutiny
Migration remains one of the most sensitive issues in Morocco-Spain relations.
The Moroccan ministry described cooperation on migration as historically coordinated and effective, but said the events of last July require a comprehensive investigation.
According to Rabat, such an investigation should establish the circumstances surrounding the events, determine whether there was outside interference, identify any possible manipulation and ensure that similar incidents do not occur again.
The ministry also raised several direct questions concerning the current situation.
Why, Rabat asks, do accusations against Morocco continue when, according to the statement, no evidence, facts or reports have established the involvement of Moroccan authorities?
The ministry also questioned why illegal migrants have not been returned despite an official Moroccan commitment to readmit them, and why unaccompanied Moroccan minors remain separated from their families despite Morocco’s requests for their return.
Morocco argues that answers to these questions should be sought from the relevant Spanish authorities rather than in Rabat.
Warning Against Domestic Political Exploitation
The Moroccan government also expressed concern over what it described as attempts by certain Spanish political and media circles to use Morocco for domestic political purposes.
The statement criticized the escalation of what it characterized as unreasonable and populist rhetoric, particularly when it comes from established political parties with extensive governing experience.
Rabat also expressed concern about initiatives by legislative and judicial institutions that it says risk creating further tensions between the two countries.
According to the Moroccan ministry, reducing complex issues to accusations rather than examining facts objectively can contribute to a climate of fear and mistrust.
Morocco Rejects Becoming a Political Scapegoat
One of the strongest messages in the statement was Morocco’s refusal to become a tool in Spain’s domestic political battles.
The ministry said the Kingdom would not accept being used as a pre-election political pawn or as a scapegoat in domestic political disputes.
At the same time, Rabat stressed that geographical proximity between Morocco and Spain is a permanent reality.
The ministry’s argument is that this proximity can either become an opportunity for greater cooperation or, if handled through confrontation and political escalation, contribute to recurring tensions and mistrust.
A Call for Political Responsibility
Morocco’s latest statement ultimately places emphasis on dialogue and political responsibility.
The Kingdom says its preferred approach remains one of cooperation, while differences should be addressed through direct communication, evidence and mutual respect.
The message from Rabat is therefore twofold: Morocco wants to preserve the strategic relationship with Spain, but it also expects accusations involving the Kingdom to be supported by facts and handled through appropriate diplomatic channels.
With Spain and Morocco closely connected through geography, trade, migration and security cooperation, developments in one country inevitably affect the other.
For Rabat, the future of the relationship will depend on whether both sides can preserve dialogue and prevent domestic political pressures from undermining a partnership that has become strategically important to both countries.
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