Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares defended the current military cooperation with Morocco, refusing the push by the far-left coalition Sumar for an arms embargo, in a parliamentary session on Friday, according to local sources.
The political party Sumar, led by Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s second Vice President and Minister of Labor and Social Economy, is known for its hostility towards Morocco and support for the separatist movement of the Polisario.
During its question time in parliament, the party reportedly asked the Spanish senior official about the possibility of imposing an embargo on weapons and military equipment sent to Morocco.
Responding to the party representative, Albares categorically rejected this request, arguing that “all exports of defense equipment from Spain comply with national legislation and applicable European and international regulations.” He stressed that the sales are in conformity with international humanitarian law and other measures promoting peace and security.
Albares also rejected a bill submitted by the same coalition, calling for granting Spanish nationality to Moroccan residents originating from the southern provinces, but born during the colonial period before 1976.
Spain remains a minor arms supplier to Morocco compared to the United States, France, and China. Rabat purchased only 12 million euros worth of Spanish weaponry in 2020.