Rabat \u2013 Spain\u2019s Minister of Inclusion Elma Saiz described Morocco\u2019s cooperation as key in managing the recent migration crisis in Ceuta.<\/p>\n
She told<\/a> El Pa\u00eds that Spain would not have been able to turn the situation around without Rabat\u2019s collaboration. She made her remarks when El Pa\u00eds asked the minister if Morocco \u201cbears no responsibility\u201d for people leaving the North African country toward the enclave.<\/p>\n The question has brought renewed attention to the rhetoric targeting Morocco during and after the mass migration crossing into Ceuta, amid attempts by parts of the Spanish media and some far-right and PP politicians to portray Morocco as solely responsible for the influx while downplaying Spain\u2019s own responsibility, including criticism over the absence of Spanish police as the crisis<\/a> unfolded.<\/p>\n Morocco has repeatedly responded to similar criticism by stressing its key role in managing migration and its cooperation with Spain, while emphasizing that such efforts cannot succeed without a joint approach.\u00a0<\/p>\n Rabat has stressed that Spain must also assume its share of responsibility, arguing that tackling irregular migration is not the responsibility of one country alone but requires coordinated efforts between both sides.<\/p>\n Morocco\u2019s role was also reflected in its response to the mass crossings of July 30 and 31, when Rabat agreed with Madrid on the return of migrants who had entered Ceuta.\u00a0<\/p>\n Most of those who crossed subsequently returned to Morocco, while Spanish authorities have continued working to identify those who remain in the enclave.<\/p>\n