Morocco has reaffirmed its commitment to the roadmap agreed with Spain, signaling progress at a pace described as satisfactory. The initiative comes as tensions with Algeria escalate, with Algiers recently suspending the Treaty on Friendship, Good Neighborhood and Cooperation with Spain, a pact that has shaped relations since 2002. This backdrop frames Rabat’s public assurances about the path ahead and the intention to address key issues first as part of a structured process, according to Morocco’s official channels (MAP).
Mustafá Baitas, the Moroccan Executive Spokesperson, emphasized that priorities guide the approach and that the overall strategic vision will become clearer once critical deadlines pass. His remarks underscore a staged process, where the trajectory will unfold more fully as timelines are met and actions are implemented (MAP).
In a notable development, a joint statement issued in Rabat by Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Mohammed VI in April highlighted Madrid’s view of the Moroccan autonomy proposal, first presented in 2007, as a credible framework for resolving the dispute. The wording described the plan as serious, realistic and credible, signaling a shared willingness to explore practical pathways within a broader settlement (MAP).
The two capitals also stressed that matters of shared interest would be handled with trust and agreement rather than unilateral moves or fait accompli steps. The pledge covered a range of issues, including foreign visits and diplomacy, and reflected a mutual intent to avoid provocative actions while pursuing constructive dialogue (MAP).
Observers note that broader regional dynamics remain unsettled. Madrid’s current stance on sensitive topics involving the Polisario Front, and the timing of high-profile visits such as Brahim Gali to Spain, have stirred debate about the broader political calculus in Madrid. Allegations have circulated about immigration pressures and surveillance concerns, including the use of Pegasus software, as part of a wider narrative about security and influence in the vicinity of Spain. Analysts caution that such assertions carry significant geopolitical weight and demand careful, evidence-based scrutiny from all sides (MAP).
From a strategic perspective, the evolving dialogue illustrates how Morocco is balancing regional partnerships with its broader foreign policy goals. The United States and Canada, among others in North America, continue to watch closely how coordination between Rabat and Madrid translates into practical outcomes on the ground, including migrant flows, border management and humanitarian considerations. The situation also raises questions about the effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms in managing tensions across the Maghreb and the Iberian Peninsula, and about the role of third-party actors in shaping perceptions and responses (MAP).