Morocco has rejected recent criticism from Spanish political and media groups and warned against using relations between the two countries for domestic politics. The foreign ministry issued the statement on Thursday as tensions over migration and other issues continue to affect relations with Spain. Morocco said it had chosen to build ties with Spain around good neighbourly relations, political dialogue, trade and security co-operation.
That approach was set out in a joint declaration signed after a meeting between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on 7 April 2022.
The ministry said the relationship had since produced results in trade, industry and security.
Trade between the two countries reached €22.76bn in 2025. Spanish exports to Morocco rose by 3.5% in the first half of 2026 to €6.42bn. Moroccan exports to Spain rose by 4.1% to €5.80bn.
Spain is Morocco’s biggest economic partner. Morocco is Spain’s second-biggest trading partner outside the European Union.
Spanish companies also have a large presence in Moroccan industry, particularly in the car and clothing sectors. Companies such as Gestamp, Grupo Antolin, CIE Automotive and Ficosa operate in Morocco’s automotive supply chain.
Migration remains a key point of disagreement.
The foreign ministry said co-operation on migration had been effective but said the events of last July needed a full investigation.
It questioned why Morocco was still being blamed when no “data, fact, or report” showed that Moroccan authorities were involved.
“At present, far from any controversy or rhetoric, common sense and a discourse of truth demand asking direct questions: Why maintain the indictment against Morocco, when no data, fact, or report establishes any involvement by Moroccan authorities? Why are illegal migrants not turned back, even though the Moroccan government has officially committed to readmitting them? Why are unaccompanied minors kept away from their families, despite Morocco’s explicit request for their return?”
Morocco said the answers to these questions should come from the relevant Spanish authorities.
The ministry also criticised Spanish political and media groups for using Morocco in domestic political disputes.
It said Morocco would not accept being “a pre-electoral bargaining chip” or a scapegoat in partisan disputes.
“Geographical proximity is an unalterable reality. It is political leaders who, through their courage and strategic vision, turn it into an asset for the future.”
Migration, customs at the borders with Ceuta and Melilla, and the return of unaccompanied minors remain sensitive issues.
Spain and Morocco are also working on wider economic and infrastructure links, including energy projects and studies into a possible fixed link across the Strait of Gibraltar.
