Assahafa.com
Spanish authorities have confirmed significant progress in negotiations regarding customs operations at Ceuta and Melilla, marking a pivotal development in Spanish-Moroccan relations.
The announcement comes as part of ongoing bilateral efforts to modernize border arrangements between the two nations, with both countries working towards establishing a 21st-century customs framework that reflects the evolving nature of international trade relations.
Spanish official sources have declined to provide specific details of the agreement, arguing that “negotiations on commercial customs are carried out directly between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain and Morocco.”
These are described as “high-level conversations that have been going on for a very long time,” they have explained.
According to Spanish government sources, Morocco will be able to export fruits, vegetables, fish, and aggregates to Melilla under the new framework.
This arrangement represents a strategic approach to regional trade integration, with both nations demonstrating commitment to enhancing economic cooperation through modernized customs protocols.
Juan José Imbroda, President of Melilla, has expressed strong reservations about the proposed customs arrangements with Morocco. In recent statements to the media, Imbroda highlighted potential implications for local commerce and sovereignty.
“The Government has made a call to some merchants to explain that trade with Morocco will resume, and the idea of regional trade may be revived, which already came up in 2022,” he explained
He added that “Melilla merchants would not be able to sell their imported products to Morocco, only products manufactured in Melilla – that is, none” since the city has no factories.
“Local commerce will not benefit in any way,” Imbroda warned, addressing the proposed framework that would allow Moroccan products such as aggregates and food items into Melilla while limiting outbound trade.
He emphasized that Melilla lacks manufacturing facilities, effectively rendering the proposed arrangement one-sided.
“If this is authorized and permitted, economic and political sovereignty is ceded to Morocco, and that seems to me to be a colossal mistake,” Imbroda declared, announcing his intention to pursue both parliamentary and judicial avenues to defend the city’s economic interests.
The Spanish government delegate in Melilla, Sabrina Moh, has countered these concerns, stating: “The customs operation now is not like what we had before in 2018. We are talking about 21st-century customs operations between two countries, a European country and a third country.”
She emphasized that implementation would proceed “progressively until full normalization is achieved.”
‘Strengthening historic union together’
Spanish authorities have outlined a comprehensive phased approach to customs normalization.
According to government sources, the process involves extensive coordination between multiple ministries from both Mediterranean sides.
The Popular Party (PP) has requested an extraordinary plenary session through the Permanent Deputation for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, to explain the negotiations with Morocco regarding the reopening of the Melilla customs.
The Spanish government delegate in Ceuta, Cristina Pérez, has called for patience, noting that “achieving the milestone of commercial customs for Ceuta involves two countries that are strengthening their union historically.”
She emphasized the involvement of multiple ministries in the process and highlighted “the excellent working environment with the neighboring country that is conveyed to us from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
“In contrast to Melilla, which already had commercial customs, the opening of customs in Ceuta represents a complex logistical challenge involving many actors,” Pérez explained, defending the gradual approach to implementation.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry maintains direct oversight of negotiations, indicating the strategic importance of the customs agreement. Officials have confirmed that discussions are progressing at high levels, though specific details remain under diplomatic consideration.
“The objective is to achieve full normalization through a series of phases, there is no type of imposition,” Moh emphasized, countering claims of unilateral decision-making.
‘Better closed both directions’
The proposed customs framework has generated significant discussion within the business community. Enrique Alcoba, president of the Melilla Business Confederation (CEME), has emphasized the importance of reciprocity in trade arrangements, while acknowledging the need for modernized customs operations.
“What cannot be is that Morocco can bring its products and Melilla nothing,” Alcoba stated firmly. “To be in this situation, it is better that the border is closed in both directions.”
Opposition voices, including Vox party representatives, have raised concerns about the arrangement. José Miguel Tasende, Vox’s leader in Melilla, criticized the lack of progress over the past two years and called for more stringent measures.
“We believe that Morocco has no intention of reopening anything. They only want to entertain us with promises that seek to wear down the patience of Melilla businessmen, introduce more uncertainty in our economy and end up suffocating local trade,” Tasende declared.
The Secretary General of Vox’s parliamentary group in Congress, José María Figaredo, went further, accusing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of having “ceded the customs” of Ceuta and Melilla to Morocco.
He suggested that “Morocco has somehow coerced Pedro Sánchez,” possibly through information obtained from the Pegasus virus found on the Prime Minister’s mobile phone.
Spanish officials have repeatedly dismissed these accusations. Last month, Defense Minister Margarita Robles criticized such claims as being made “without evidence.”
For government representatives, the criticism leveled at the Spain-Morocco customs agreement overlooks the complexity and strategic importance of establishing sustainable bilateral trade relations.
“We have been working since 2018 to reopen commercial customs progressively,” Moh stated, emphasizing the long-term nature of the initiative.
“We have always taken steps with the aim of achieving well-done work and optimal results, and it will be done progressively until full normalization is achieved,” she added.
The framework represents a continuation of diplomatic efforts that began in 2018, with the aim of establishing sustainable economic relationships between the territories.
The implementation timeline remains under discussion, with both nations working to establish appropriate control mechanisms and infrastructure.
This careful approach demonstrates both countries’ commitment to establishing lasting and effective trade arrangements that benefit the entire region.
Source: Morocco word news
