Morocco’s Maritime Border Law Sparks Tension with Spain

After an indefinite postponement, the two draft laws were finally unanimously adopted. However, this adoption creates tensions between Rabat and Madrid. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, the delimitation of maritime spaces remains and remains an internal affair and a sovereign decision in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, reports Al Massae. He reaffirmed that Morocco is open to dialogue with Spain, which it considers a strategic partner.

Rabat may defend its position, but Madrid is expressing its opposition to the vote on these laws. In a tweet, the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha Gonzalez, reacts: "in our previous contacts with Morocco, we have agreed together not to proceed with the delimitation of maritime borders in a unilateral manner". For the minister, this decision remains suspended due to its unilateral nature. He deplored the lack of consultation on the issue between the two countries.

However, the same source points out that Morocco has simply activated the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to move towards the delimitation of its borders after its adoption by the Council of Government in 2017. Spain, Portugal, Mauritania, Senegal and Cape Verde have also submitted joint reports under this convention.