King Mohammed VI affirmed on Friday that Morocco’s cooperation with Spain on migration is a sovereign choice that cannot be subject to external pressure, calling for a new framework to address persistent legal and judicial obstacles while advancing shared development and regional stability.
“This partnership is a sovereign choice and a voluntary commitment. It will never be subject to any pressure, threat, or blackmail,” the King said in his address to Parliament in Rabat, where he chaired the opening of the first session of the first legislative year of the 12th Legislature.
The statement came as the King addressed the state of Morocco’s international partnerships, emphasizing that the Kingdom’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations must be matched by an equivalent commitment from its partners.
“The Kingdom has succeeded in consolidating its international standing as a responsible and reliable partner committed to fulfilling its obligations. It expects the same from its partners,” he said.
Turning specifically to migration, the King acknowledged the progress achieved through Morocco’s approach to managing migration flows, while making clear that the existing model of cooperation no longer adequately addresses the challenges facing the countries concerned.
“The balanced approach adopted by our country to manage the migration phenomenon has produced tangible results,” he said.
“However, we must acknowledge, with all due courage and objectivity, that the current cooperation model in this area has become outdated. The recurring crises are a clear testimony to this.”
The King specifically addressed relations with Spain, recognizing the considerable progress made in bilateral cooperation across several sectors, including efforts to combat irregular migration.
“Our partnership with that country has witnessed significant developments in various sectors, including the fight against illegal migration,” he said.
He nevertheless identified shortcomings in the legal and judicial framework governing certain aspects of that cooperation, particularly procedures for the repatriation of minors.
“However, this cooperation is currently facing significant challenges stemming from some obsolete legal provisions and unrealistic judicial rulings,” the King said.
He added that these obstacles were impeding repatriation procedures while creating opportunities for criminal networks to profit from the situation.
The King also addressed the political and media debate surrounding migration cooperation, taking issue with what he described as irresponsible statements and the exploitation of the subject by certain political and media circles.
“Considering the irresponsible statements and the blatant exploitation of the issue by some political and media circles, I wish to point out that this partnership is a sovereign choice and a voluntary commitment.”
The declaration reaffirmed Morocco’s position that cooperation on migration rests on sovereign decision-making and mutual commitments, rather than external demands.
Alongside this position, the King announced a forthcoming Moroccan initiative intended to establish a new basis for cooperation with the Kingdom’s partners.
“In this regard, Morocco will present a document to its partners setting out a clear and practical strategic vision that paves the way for a new direction which promotes shared development, economic competitiveness, and regional stability.”
The proposed document would place migration cooperation within a broader framework of shared development, economic competitiveness and regional stability, as Morocco seeks to update a partnership model the King described as no longer suited to present challenges.
