Protecting the achievements of renewed Spanish-Moroccan relations in the medium term

Relations between Morocco and Spain enjoy a long history of cultural, economic, security, etc. However, this cooperation faces many challenges, especially in light of global geopolitical and economic events. One of the most important challenges facing relations between the two countries is to preserve their achievements in the medium term. These achievements mean preserving the enthusiasm that has been built up between the two countries over the past year. 

Cooperating in promoting joint investments, expanding the scope of economic work between the two countries, encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises, providing more opportunities for investment in 'economic infrastructure', improving cultural cooperation and academic exchange are some of the efforts that need to be made by both governments to protect the gains made since the Sánchez government's new position on Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara. 

In this sense, the political disputes that have caused the two countries to miss great opportunities over the past two decades to grow together and develop a true example of neighbourliness must be left behind, highlighting that Morocco is a priority for Spanish foreign policy, according to repeated statements by high-ranking Spanish officials. In fact, this priority nature has to be translated into an explicit state policy, with measures aimed at avoiding episodes of diplomatic crisis, namely dialogue, mutual respect, respect for international treaties and agreements, and non-interference.   

And to maintain progress in the bilateral relationship, including the implementation of the agreements signed at the last High Level Meeting held in Rabat on 1 and 2 February (the first since 2015), it is of paramount importance "not to resort to unilateral actions", and to deal with sensitive issues by mutual agreement "however complex they may be". 

Likewise, protecting the achievements of Spanish-Moroccan relations in the medium term involves several key points, from maintaining the position on the Sahara and developing it with more 'sincere' actions on the ground, to jointly promoting regional stability and defending Moroccan interests within the European Union during the Spanish presidency. 

Morocco's foreign policy is in a constant process of growth. It is facing a crucial stage in an increasingly global world context, and is constantly seeking to position itself on the regional and global geo-strategic and geo-economic chessboard. Morocco, under the rule of King Mohammed VI, has seized strategic opportunities, associating itself with partners of enormous potential. With these partnerships, the Kingdom seeks to settle definitively any ambiguity regarding its territorial integrity, including the territory of the Sahara. 

Spain has understood that the Sahara issue is Morocco's first priority. In this sense, autonomy can constitute the political framework for a solution to the conflict and the only one capable of unblocking the situation in a negotiated, fair, equitable and lasting manner that guarantees the dignity of the Sahrawi components and Morocco's territorial integrity. 

Indeed, Spain is called upon to make progress in its recognition of Moroccan autonomy over the Sahara on the ground, establishing important pillars for increasing bilateral trade in the region, making it possible to lay the foundations for the economic development of the Sahrawi people. It is also called upon, together with Morocco, to encourage Spanish SMEs to set up in the region, adding to the 1,100 Iberian companies already established in the Kingdom. The good adaptation of a joint economic plan would put a stop to the lies of Morocco's enemies, who design their attacks on the basis of the economic difficulties suffered by the region's residents. 

This new phase is not only beneficial to Moroccan aspirations for decades of Spanish support, but is also beneficial for Spain as well, particularly the Canary Islands, which will benefit from win-win relations. The archipelago has recorded an 82% drop in arrivals of illegal migrants, according to data published by Frontex. On the economic front, the president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, announced the launch of three new air routes this summer, reinforcing the presence of the local airline Binter, while awaiting the reactivation of the sea route between Tarfaya and Fuerteventura. 

Today, the Spanish government, in order to protect its supreme interests and the progress of this new stage with Morocco, is also invited to control the flow of donations to the so-called "Saharawi associations", their forms of financing, the origin of the money they receive and the "modus operandi" of their activists, which is characterised in most cases by excessive violence. 

In the coming months, the Moroccan and Spanish governments should promote exchanges of successful experiences in the business model, in order to exemplify the bilateral economy and contribute innovative ideas to achieve multidimensional objectives.  

The current crisis between Rabat and Paris could provide a real opportunity for the Spanish economic fabric. Spain should identify investment opportunities in Morocco and focus on sectors where it has a competitive advantage over what the French have to offer. This could include areas such as renewable energy, technology, agriculture and tourism.  

The Moroccan sector that Spain is most excited about and which major economies are rubbing their hands together to gain access to (including France) is solar and wind energy. The Iberian kingdom admits that it is interested in supporting the development of clean energy and promoting the reindustrialisation of the sectors that bring most added value to both states.   

Spain does not hide its interest in becoming Morocco's most important partner in the energy sphere, apart from the strong impetus that the North African country is giving to the development of renewable energies. Spain can contribute its experience to help Morocco achieve its 2023 target of having 52% of its electricity generation from renewable sources. 

Another area where Spain could improve is in differentiating itself from French competition and offering unique advantages. This can include the use of advanced technology, the creation of customised products and a strong customer focus to improve the efficiency and quality of its products and services. It can also customise its offerings to suit the specific needs and preferences of Moroccan consumers (great lovers of Made in Spain). 

Security cooperation is one of the challenges leading to "constant contact between the authorities of the two neighbouring countries". A contact marked by sincerity, effective collaboration, transparency and 'respect for national sovereignty'. 

The North African and Mediterranean region has long been an area of instability and conflict. Political and economic tensions, extremism and illegal immigration are among the challenges facing the region. Addressing these challenges requires effective regional cooperation and the active participation of all relevant actors. Morocco and Spain have an important role to play in promoting regional stability. Morocco is a relevant gateway to Africa and is a regional leader in terms of security and stability. Spain, on the other hand, is a bridge between Europe and Africa and has long experience in managing regional challenges. 

In the face of the rising tide of extremism in North Africa and the Sahel in particular, Morocco is fundamental to Spain's security, and the Iberian country is aware of the danger that may come from the Sahel, after the chaos of the French armed forces and their withdrawal from that region without achieving any progress. In this regard, strengthening effective communication channels to exchange information and coordinate actions, together with constant evaluation and monitoring, would lead to measuring the effectiveness of Spanish-Moroccan cooperation to prevent risks.  

On land borders, the implementation of the much-desired 'smart borders' at the border crossings of Ceuta and Melilla will allow greater control over the traffic of people and goods, which would help prevent smuggling and the illegal entry of individuals. With the use of advanced technology such as surveillance cameras, facial recognition and fingerprint systems, people attempting to cross the border illegally can be detected and apprehended. Smart borders (in the process of being installed) can include automated passport control systems, thus improving the user experience by reducing waiting times and making the control process more efficient and cost-effective. 

Spain will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the fifth time in the second half of 2023, between 1 July and 31 December. The head of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez, offered Morocco his cooperation in building bridges with the European Union (EU). 

Morocco will welcome Sánchez's "initiative" (considered to be in good faith) to deepen Morocco's relationship with the EU, despite the North African kingdom's tension with Europe, following the European Parliament's resolution calling on Rabat to respect freedom of expression.  

In Morocco, the European Parliament (EP) resolution has been totally rejected, denouncing an interference in its sovereignty and judicial system. The Moroccan parliament has decided to review its relations with the EP. 

Through this 'mediation', economic cooperation between the EU and Morocco is one of the key areas in which the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU can work. The EU and Morocco already have an Association Agreement that includes a free trade area, but more can be done to enhance economic cooperation. This could include trade and investment facilitation through measures such as simplifying customs procedures, eliminating non-tariff barriers and improving infrastructure connectivity. 

In terms of political dialogue, the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU can provide a platform for a more intense and constructive dialogue between the EU and Morocco in areas of common interest, such as the fight against terrorism, regional security and migration.  

Finally, in the social sphere, the Spanish Presidency can support cooperation in areas such as education and culture, which can strengthen ties between the EU and Morocco. This could include academic and cultural exchanges between the EU and Morocco, as well as cooperation programmes in areas such as scientific research and innovation. 

The good harmony between the current leader of the Popular Party (PP) Alberto Núñez Feijóo and the former PP president, Jose María Aznar, is under close scrutiny in Morocco. In a hypothetical victory of Feijóo in the next general elections in November, the extent of Aznar's influence on Feijóo's decisions regarding Morocco will be examined. 

Aznar's time as head of the Spanish government was one of the most contentious with Morocco. In Rabat, Feijóo's signals, despite the occasional lapse, are carefully analysed. Morocco hopes that the PP leader will follow in Sánchez's footsteps, confirming his support for Morocco's autonomy plan in the Sahara. 

In any case, Morocco is prepared for any scenario. Interrupting the development of a cooperation that holds much promise would cause huge losses on both sides.