Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his country continues to recognize Morocco’s efforts to prevent irregular migration, denying changes in Spain’s position regarding Rabat’s cooperation.
The Spanish Prime Minister made his new remarks at a press conference in New York on the sidelines of the ongoing UN General Assembly.
Sanchez insists on the importance of Morocco’s cooperation in tackling irregular migration, citing Rabat’s mobilization through the deployment of police forces in response to threats of another mass entry.
His remarks came after reports questioning whether Spain has changed its position with regard to Morocco’s efforts amid pressure from the far-right and other parties, which continue to disseminate unfounded allegations, accusing Rabat of a hybrid war and blackmail.
The interpretations followed Sanchez’s recent interview with CNN, where he said Morocco’s border control mechanism for Ceuta “failed” during the mass entry that took place on July 30.
The mass crossing saw over 70,000 people entering the enclave, sparking one of the largest irregular migration events at Morocco’s border.
For Sanchez, Morocco’s cooperation “should be acknowledged” not only by the government but also by political parties “that are very quick to criticize but then, when there is a response, do not acknowledge it.”
He also lashed out at politicians from the right and other parties that blame minors, stating that calling a 10-year-old boy or girl an “invader, as some parties do, sounds strange,” citing that his government’s approach is based on border control but also humanitarian management.
The Spanish government also continues to claim territorial integrity over Ceuta and Melilla, rejecting “dialogue over shared responsibility.”
Moroccan officials, however, continue to urge Spain to open dialogue on the fate of the two occupied enclaves, with outgoing Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi stating that discussion on the two enclaves remains on the table.
Spain also defends bilateral relations with Morocco’s upcoming government following Wednesday’s legislative elections.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won 97 seats, with King Mohammed VI expected to appoint a head of government from the winning party.
Spain said it is willing to work with any Moroccan government to maintain good bilateral ties with Rabat.
PAM also commended ties with Spain as deep and historical, stating it will work to strengthen cooperation with Madrid.
Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita said this week that ties with Spain are based on partnership, mutual respect, and dialogue. He said there are “many issues” on which both sides agree and can make progress, while differences should be addressed in a spirit of good-neighborliness and cooperation
