King Mohammed VI has criticized migration cooperation with partners, particularly Spain and called for a new cooperation approach two months after the Ceuta migration crisis, saying Morocco’s partnership is a “sovereign choice” in response to the orchestrated smear campaign.
Rethinking migration cooperation between Morocco and its partners is one of the key messages addressed by the King in the speech he delivered Friday before the two Chambers of Parliament at the opening of the 1st session of 1st legislative year of 12th legislature.
Without mentioning explicitly the Ceuta events, the Monarch delivered a deep analysis of the tensions triggered by this unprecedented migration crisis.
“Morocco is one of the world’s oldest nations” and “is united under the banner of a venerable monarchy—one of the most ancient in history,” said the King.
After he recalled that Morocco has succeeded in consolidating its international status as “a responsible and reliable partner” committed to fulfilling its obligations, the Monarch said the Kingdom expects the same commitment from its partners, highlighting the positive tangible results achieved thanks to the balanced approach adopted by Rabat in the management of migration.
Despite the achievements accomplished, the King delivered a blunt assessment, saying “We must acknowledge, with all due courage and objectivity, that the current cooperation model in this area has become outdated. The recurring crises are clear evidence.”
The royal speech cited in this regard the difficulties encountered in cooperation with Spain, Morocco’s privileged partner in the fight against irregular immigration.
Morocco’s cooperation with Spain is currently facing “significant challenges stemming from some obsolete legal provisions and unrealistic judicial rulings,” said the King, deploring that this situation is resulting in obstruction of the repatriation of minors and of fake asylum seekers, while fueling the greed of criminal networks.
The return of migrants, especially the unaccompanied minors, who entered Ceuta end of July during mass crossing remains one of the bones of contention between Rabat and Madrid. Morocco blames the Spanish authorities for the legal and administrative obstacles slowing repatriation procedures, especially those of unaccompanied minors.
The King has also warned against political and electoral scapegoating of migration issue. In response to the irresponsible statements and the blatant exploitation of the issue by some political and media circles, the Monarch said Morocco’s partnership is “a sovereign choice and a voluntary commitment that will never be subject to any pressure, threat, or blackmail.”
To address this situation, Mohammed VI announced an initiative seeking to redefine the terms of cooperation with partners. Morocco will present a document to its partners setting out a “clear and practical strategic vision” which promotes “shared development, economic competitiveness, and regional stability.”
In his speech at the Parliament, the King also called on the government to accelerate the implementation of planned infrastructure projects, stressing the need to launch a new generation of major strategies, particularly in the fields of water, energy, and food security, industrial takeoff, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence.
He reiterated his call to accelerate the development of the Kingdom’s capabilities in the field of strategic reserves and to secure the supply of basic commodities.
The King also urged the private sector to step up and become a strategic player in the country’s development transformation, stressing the importance of placing youth issues at the forefront of public policies and of the agenda of governance bodies.
