Bourita reaffirms Morocco-Spain partnership while addressing migration tensions

Yesterday 09:42

By: Azzat Manal

Bourita reaffirms Morocco-Spain partnership while addressing migration tensions

Morocco and Spain are seeking to maintain their bilateral partnership while managing renewed tensions over irregular migration in Ceuta. Speaking in New York after talks with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita stressed that the relationship remains based on dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation.

Bourita said the principles established in the joint declaration of April 2022 continue to provide the framework for relations between Rabat and Madrid. He highlighted partnership, mutual respect and dialogue, while stressing the importance of avoiding unilateral actions or unexpected developments that could complicate bilateral ties.

Migration was among the central issues discussed by the two ministers, particularly the return of irregular migrants and unaccompanied minors who remain in Ceuta following the large-scale entry at the end of July. Spanish authorities said Morocco had reiterated its willingness to cooperate in facilitating the return of people who do not have grounds for international protection.

Bourita, however, drew a distinction between Morocco's stated position on accepting returns and the procedures required to complete them in Spain. He argued that if irregular migrants and unaccompanied minors have not been returned, questions should be addressed to the Spanish side, pointing to what he described as Spanish procedural obstacles and difficulties.

Spanish authorities have likewise acknowledged that the return process involves legal and administrative procedures. Reports from Spain indicate that individual cases, particularly those involving minors, require compliance with safeguards and legal steps before transfers can take place.

Despite the disagreement over the handling of returns, both sides have emphasized the importance of preserving the broader relationship. Albares said Spain wanted to maintain ties with Morocco based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the principles contained in the 2022 joint declaration.

Bourita also stressed that the two countries have numerous areas where cooperation can continue. He said differences should be addressed through dialogue and consultation, with both governments guided by good-neighborly relations and cooperation.

The Moroccan minister also criticized what he described as unfounded accusations and unproductive rhetoric from some Spanish political actors, arguing that sensitive issues such as migration and bilateral relations should not be managed through political escalation.

The meeting in New York came after several days of contacts between Rabat and Madrid over the situation in Ceuta. Spanish authorities had been seeking Morocco's cooperation both on returns and on preventing further attempts at irregular entry, while the two governments continued to emphasize the importance of maintaining communication.

The latest exchange illustrates the delicate balance surrounding Morocco-Spain relations. Migration remains a particularly sensitive issue, but both governments continue to frame the wider relationship around cooperation and the roadmap established in 2022. The immediate challenge is therefore to manage disagreements over migration without allowing them to disrupt broader diplomatic, economic and security cooperation between the neighboring countries.