Morocco-Spain High-Level Meeting Postponed Again Amid COVID-19 and Diplomatic Tensions

Initially scheduled for December 17, 2020 in Rabat, the 12th high-level meeting between Morocco and Spain had first been postponed to February 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was to be chaired by the heads of the Spanish and Moroccan governments, Pedro Sanchez and Saâdeddine El Othmani.

While the reason given to justify the new postponement remains the same as before, sources mention "tensions in relations between Madrid and Rabat" and their "divergences" on many issues, including Ceuta and Melilla, reports Hespress.

Regarding these two enclaves, Mr. El Othmani had in the meantime pointed out that the status quo is still in effect after 5 or 6 centuries. "The time will come for the case of Sebta and Melilla, Moroccan territories like the Sahara. Sebta and Melilla is a question that must be opened," he had declared. These statements had provoked the anger of Spain, which demanded explanations.