Morocco’s King Sends Brief Birthday Wishes to Spanish Monarch, Omitting Usual Diplomatic Warmth

For the first time, Mohammed VI sent a "cold" message to Felipe VI on the occasion of his 54th birthday. In this message, he simply wishes him "health, happiness and long life, progress and prosperity" as well as "to all members of the Spanish royal family and the Spanish people," reports El Confidencial. This year, the Moroccan monarch did not complete his message with "kind words," as was the case in previous years when he greeted the "privileged relations that unite the two countries and which are based on good neighborliness, fruitful cooperation and active solidarity."

To read: King Felipe VI Urges Rebuilding Spain-Morocco Ties Amid Diplomatic Crisis

This message from the King of Morocco, which does not mention the tense relations between the two states, is proof that the diplomatic crisis persists. The posture of the Moroccan monarch is not surprising insofar as Morocco has not favorably reacted to the outstretched hand of Felipe VI who called on January 17, in his address to the diplomatic corps, for a calming of tensions with Morocco. On January 20, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, in a television interview, indicated that "the kingdom’s relations with its partner countries are based on loyalty and ambition," alluding to the recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara.

To read: Morocco Demands Spain’s Support on Western Sahara for Diplomatic Thaw

The next day, Mustafa Baitas, government spokesman, specified that "Spain has expressed its ambition, but for it to materialize, we need much more clarity." On January 28, Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared to parliament that "in today’s world, good neighborly relations are no longer a priority. Morocco wants partners who inspire confidence and that is the policy adopted by King Mohammed VI."

To read: Spain-Morocco Diplomatic Rift Persists, Foreign Minister Says

In short, the end of the crisis between Spain and Morocco is not near. The proof is that Morocco has announced that it will reopen its airspace closed on November 29 to limit the spread of the Omicron variant, without specifying whether the maritime lines with Spain will be relaunched. Similarly, the borders with Ceuta and Melilla remain closed for health reasons. On both sides of the border posts of Tarajal (Ceuta) and Beni Enzar (Melilla), security has been strengthened to avoid a new migration crisis.