- Following a rift that began in spring, Morocco’s King Mohammed said his country now seeks to strengthen its relations with Spain.
- However, he warned that Morocco would not let “its best interests be trampled on.”
- This past April, Spain caused an uproar when it allowed an independence leader from Western Sahara, which Morocco regards as its territory, into the country for medical care.
RABAT, Morocco: Following a rift that began in spring, Morocco’s King Mohammed said his country now seeks to strengthen its relations with Spain.
“We are now keen to strengthen our ties, considering the need for a common understanding between the two nations,” he said in a speech.
However, he warned that Morocco would not let “its best interests be trampled on.”
This past April, Spain caused an uproar with Morocco when it allowed an independence leader from Western Sahara, which Rabat regards as its territory, into the country for medical care.
In an apparent retaliation, Rabat then relaxed its border controls with Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in northern Morocco, causing an influx of some 8,000 migrants into Spain.
This “unprecedented crisis shook our mutual trust and raised many questions about their future,” added King Mohammed, noting the two countries discussed their relations following the crisis.
Morocco is looking forward to “a new unprecedented phase in the relations between the two countries, based on trust, transparency, mutual respect and fulfilling obligations,” he stated.
In recent years, Spain has been Morocco’s leading trading partner. The two countries have also cooperated to counter illegal migration.
Regarding Morocco’s relations with France, the King described them as “solid,” while defending Morocco’s security services and other national institutions against an alleged “campaign” to tarnish their image.
