France Reaffirms Morocco as Key EU Partner Amid Spain Diplomatic Tensions

Morocco is "a key partner for France and the European Union, an indispensable partner in particular in terms of cooperation in the Sahel, in the fight against terrorism and irregular immigration," Jean-Yves Le Drian was keen to recall, in response to a question from LREM deputy Mustapha Laabid, from the majority party, on the diplomatic rift between Rabat and Madrid.

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated on the occasion that the Kingdom of Morocco remains an essential partner in the face of the migration challenge for both the EU and France. Before emphasizing the importance of the partnership between the two kingdoms, he affirmed that the migration cooperation existing between France and Spain "will help stem irregular migration flows in the western Mediterranean".

"I am absolutely convinced that the partnership between Morocco and Spain, after this somewhat complicated period, will be able to resume calmly and the dialogue will be able to continue," he reassured, also stressing that France is following with great attention the influx of migrants in Ceuta, a Moroccan city occupied by Spain. "We are of course in favor of a rapid return to normalcy in Ceuta," he added.

For several weeks, diplomatic relations have deteriorated between Rabat and Madrid following the reception of the leader of the Polisario separatists, Brahim Ghali, hospitalized under a borrowed name in a Spanish hospital. An attitude denounced by Morocco which did not appreciate this "humanitarian" gesture from Madrid.