On October 12, 2026, King Mohammed VI of Morocco delivered a speech to the Moroccan Parliament, criticizing the politicization of migration issues in Spain. He emphasized that the current model of cooperation between Morocco and Spain is outdated and needs to be reevaluated. The King was accompanied by his son, Prince Moulay El Hassan, and other members of the royal family. The speech marked the opening of the first session of the first year of the XIIe législature.
King Mohammed VI highlighted Morocco's responsible and reliable stance on the international stage, emphasizing the country's commitment to respecting its engagements and expecting the same from its partners. He noted that Morocco has made significant progress in managing migration, adopting a balanced approach that has yielded tangible results. However, he stressed that the current cooperation model with Spain is facing challenges, citing crises and outdated legal provisions.
The King specifically mentioned the difficulties in repatriating minor children and individuals falsely claiming asylum rights, which hampers cooperation between Morocco and Spain. He also criticized certain Spanish media and politicians for exploiting the migration issue, stating that such actions undermine the partnership between the two countries. King Mohammed VI emphasized that Morocco's partnership with Spain is a sovereign choice and should not be subject to pressure or blackmail.
In response to these challenges, King Mohammed VI announced that Morocco will present a strategic document to its partners, outlining a clear and pragmatic vision for future cooperation. The goal is to strengthen shared development, economic competitiveness, and regional stability. This new approach aims to address the complexities of migration and promote a more effective partnership between Morocco and Spain.
The speech comes amid growing concerns about migration in the region. Recently, nearly 900 migrants returned to Morocco from Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. The issue of migration has been a contentious topic in Morocco and Spain, with both countries seeking to balance their interests and obligations.
King Mohammed VI's speech reflects Morocco's desire to redefine its partnership with Spain and address the challenges posed by migration. The proposed new approach aims to promote a more collaborative and effective response to the complexities of migration, focusing on shared development and regional stability.
The Moroccan King's call for a new cooperation model with Spain highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the complex issues surrounding migration. As Morocco and Spain move forward, their partnership will likely have significant implications for regional stability and economic development.
Key points
- Morocco's King Mohammed VI calls for a new cooperation model with Spain to address migration challenges.
- The current cooperation model between Morocco and Spain is outdated, according to King Mohammed VI.
- Morocco will present a strategic document outlining a clear vision for future cooperation with Spain.
