Morocco’s Diplomatic Gains Raise Concerns in Spain over Regional Influence

Iberian officials fear that Morocco will harden its positions on issues such as Sebta and Melilla, illegal immigration and the fight against organized crime. In addition to the normalization of diplomatic relations between the kingdom and Israel and its diplomatic-economic impact, Russian activism is troubling Spain. Moscow has worked to strengthen its relations with Rabat over the past 20 years.

According to Spanish sources, the Russians have developed an interest in the new Nador West Med port complex, reports Maghreb Intelligence. An infrastructure that aims to become the main hydrocarbon hub in the western Mediterranean from 2021. Russia has already positioned itself as a good partner of Morocco. The Russians are supplied with various Moroccan products such as agriculture, fishery products. Moreover, they intend to strengthen their cooperation with the Moroccans in the fields of energy, chemicals and technology.

The smooth running of relations between Rabat and Moscow makes Morocco Russia’s third economic partner in Africa and the second Arab country. Even if Russia disapproves of the American recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara, the two countries maintain excellent relations.