Madrid Defends "Mutually Beneficial" Ties with Rabat Amid Defamation Campaign

Thursday 25 April 2024 - 07:40

Amid an ongoing smear campaign by certain Spanish politicians and media outlets targeting the Moroccan community in Spain, the country's top diplomat has reaffirmed the importance of robust bilateral relations between Madrid and Rabat. Addressing the Spanish Congress of Deputies, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares emphasized that the deepening cooperation between the two nations is "beneficial for both countries."

With language that conveyed the gravity of the issue, Albares highlighted the multifaceted nature of Spanish-Moroccan collaboration, which encompasses counterterrorism, combating human trafficking, and a growing economic partnership. "Our excellent relations with Morocco are beneficial for both countries," he stated, deftly navigating the diplomatic sensitivities of the current climate.

Albares pointed to the surge in Spanish corporate investment in Morocco, illustrating the mutually enriching commercial relationship. He also referenced the significant "human ties" that connect the two societies, noting that Morocco hosts approximately 14,000 Spanish nationals, while over a million Moroccans live in Spain.

The foreign minister's remarks stood in stark contrast to the divisive rhetoric coming from some quarters of the Spanish political and media landscape. Earlier this month, Morocco's ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich, had criticized the defamation campaign, asserting that the Moroccan diaspora in Spain is well-integrated and a source of pride for their homeland.

Albares' statements echoed the Spanish government's consistent commitment to strengthening ties with its Mediterranean neighbor across all sectors. From Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's recent praise for "excellent cooperation" with Morocco to Agriculture Minister Luis Planas' recognition of the value of bilateral agricultural ties, Madrid appears resolute in its pursuit of a strengthened partnership with Rabat.

As the defamation campaign continues, diplomats on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar find themselves engaged in a delicate balancing act, striving to maintain the profound historical, cultural, and strategic bonds that unite their nations while confronting the forces of division and intolerance.