Rabat, MCG24
In the political chess game between Morocco and Spain, Rabat does not move according to the rhythm of elections or the noise of temporary positions in Madrid. Instead, it operates according to longer-term calculations. It is a diplomacy that bets on time and approaches sensitive issues through gradual steps and the accumulation of gains.
Geography inevitably shapes the relationship between the two countries. Morocco is not merely a neighbor to Spain, but a key partner on issues of security, migration, trade, and regional stability. In March 2022, the Spanish government described Morocco as an “indispensable strategic partner,” announcing the opening of a new phase based on transparency, mutual respect, and continuous communication.
The most significant shift came with the issue of the Moroccan Sahara. In 2022, Madrid declared that Morocco’s autonomy proposal was “the most serious, realistic and credible basis” for resolving the dispute. This was not merely a passing position, but an important milestone in reshaping relations between the two countries.
In the areas of migration and security, shared interests have evolved into a continuous mechanism for cooperation. Moroccan-Spanish coordination is no longer tied to a temporary crisis; it has become part of a broader partnership encompassing the fight against human trafficking networks, security cooperation, and the movement of people and goods.
Ceuta and Melilla, meanwhile, remain among the issues of particular sensitivity. Morocco maintains its position and its call for dialogue on the status of the two cities, while Spain maintains that their sovereignty is not open to discussion. Between these two positions, the relationship continues to be managed without a break in ties or open escalation.
This is where the particularity of the Moroccan approach lies: not turning every disagreement into a crisis, and not turning every crisis into a rupture. Relations with Spain are managed through a broad network of shared interests, while Rabat maintains its strategic files and steadfast positions.
Diplomacy is not always measured by the speed of its results. Sometimes, its strength lies in its ability to wait, and in its capacity to turn geography, shared interests, and the accumulation of positions into elements of long-term negotiation.
In this equation, “strategic patience” appears to be more than just a method; it is a way of managing the neighborhood, where major issues are not settled with a single move, but through the accumulation of steps.
