The Diplomat
The diplomatic crisis with Morocco has so far not been given the prominence that was expected in the first days at the head the Foreign Affairs Ministry by José Manuel Albares, who has been busier with the configuration of his team.
Apart from the words Albares spoke at his inauguration on Monday, the 12th, in which he spoke of ‘strengthening relations with Morocco, a great friend and neighbour to the south’, it is not known that there has been any contact with the Moroccan foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, with whom the previous minister, Arancha González Laya, has not been able to speak since the crisis broke out.
Morocco remains silent on the changeover in the Palace of Santa Cruz and the departure of González Laya, whom they hold directly responsible for the reception in a Spanish hospital of the leader of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali.
On the other hand, yesterday, Tuesday, Albares had a telephone conversation with the Algerian Foreign Minister, Ramtane Lamamra, who has also been in office for a short time, a gesture that Rabat will not have failed to analyse.
What is clear is that, contrary to speculation, Albares will not be making his first trip to Morocco, as he is due to travel to London today to meet with British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab.
