Morocco maintains a strategy of diversifying its partnerships, particularly in sectors impacted by the rulings of the European Court of Justice (CJEU) rulings, a reliable source told Barlamane.com on Saturday.
The source referenced the fishing agreement between Morocco and Russia, noting its inclusion of the Moroccan Sahara provinces. “The recently renewed agreement forges a promising path forward for collaboration between Rabat and Moscow in the fisheries sector.”
The same source pointed out an oral diplomatic note from Russia’s Foreign Ministry, dated June 27, 2024, requesting an extension of the provisional application of the fishing cooperation agreement until December 31, 2024.
The original agreement, signed on September 14, 2020, in Rabat and on October 14, 2020, in Moscow, set an expiration date of October 2024. It has since been extended due to commitments made during the fourth session of the joint commission.
The confidential source also revealed that the CJEU’s “biased decisions” not only isolate the Court within the European bloc but also marginalize it internationally.
The British Supreme Court issued a “landmark ruling” that combined “political sagacity and technical rigor,” which starkly contrasts with the rulings of the European Court.
The Regional Sahara Dispute Falls under the United Nations’ Jurisdiction
“The CJEU has no authority to address the issue of the Sahara, which falls under the jurisdiction of the United Nations,” the source said. “The regional dispute is exclusively under the purview of the United Nations, under the supervision of the Security Council and with the oversight of the Group of Friends.”
The group consists of five countries, all supportive of Rabat’s position, which preserves its territorial integrity. The United States has recognized the kingdom’s sovereignty over the Sahara, France has aligned itself similarly, and the United Kingdom has entered into agreements with Morocco that include the Southern provinces, validated by its Supreme Court.
Russia has entered into bilateral fishing agreements with Morocco. Spain has acknowledged Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and supports the autonomy plan.
The source reiterated that, regardless of the European Court’s stance, “the dynamic support for the sovereignty of the Sahara and the principle of autonomy persists globally, including in Europe.”
Morocco, meanwhile, maintains its commitment to the development of its southern provinces. “Those who cling to illusions can neither impede the course of history nor stop Morocco’s advancement, the statement concluded.