Morocco King Defends ‘Partnership’ with Spain following Migrant rush to Ceuta
RABAT: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI on Friday defended his country’s “partnership” with Spain but said it would not bow to pressure or threats, weeks after thousands of migrants poured into Madrid’s North African exclave of Ceuta.
The tiny enclave has been a flashpoint of Spanish politics ahead of elections next month after more than 70,000 migrants crossed over from Morocco on July 30 and 31.
The incident damaged the popularity of Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who blamed inadequate Moroccan border controls and called for adjustments to avoid a repeat.
The tragedy fuelled the fire of right-wing critics of immigration around the world.
Speaking at the start of a new session of the Moroccan parliament, Mohammed mentioned “the irresponsible statements made by certain political and media circles and their blatant instrumentalisation of the situation.”
He said of the kingdom’s relations with Spain, We reaffirm that this partnership is a sovereign choice and a voluntary commitment, which cannot be subjected to any pressure, any threat, or any form of blackmail.”
The king, who looked walking with a crutch, said there had been “significant progress” in the relationship with Madrid, notably in fighting irregular immigration. But he said it also faces “major challenges”.
He did not elaborate but said Morocco would deliver “to its partners a document that outlines a clear and practical strategic vision aimed at promoting co-development, economic competitiveness and regional stability”
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