Morocco considers the move unprecedented in Morocco-Netherlands bilateral relations and is perceived by the Moroccan authorities and driving forces, as an unfriendly act.
Morocco expressed in a press communiqué its deep disappointment and rejection of any probable decision of Netherlands to revoke the Convention on social security with Morocco.
The statement said that “following reports published in the Dutch press, according to which the government of the Netherlands plans to revoke the Convention on social security, concluded with Morocco, in 1972, Mr. Salaheddine Mezouar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation had, today, telephone conversations respectively with Mr. Frans Timmermans, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Frans Lodewijk Asscher, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Employment.”
“On this occasion, the Minister informed the two Dutch officials of the deep disappointment of the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as its full rejection of this decision, both in form and substance. He regretted that this decision is taken unilaterally, without any consultation with the Moroccan concerned authorities and without being duly notified to them, through the appropriate channels.
“He deplored that such a decision is taken, at a time when the bilateral relations witness a positive evolution and are marked by a will to develop them at the political, economic, cultural and human levels.
“The Kingdom of Morocco expresses its surprise at the choice of the government of the Netherlands to terminate the Convention, as the intensity and the deep-rootedness of the relations between the two kingdoms would have pushed not towards the option of break, but towards an approach of responsibility and dialogue.
“This decision of termination, rare, however, in international relations, and unprecedented in our bilateral relations, is perceived by the Moroccan authorities and driving forces, as an unfriendly act.
“Morocco is resolutely determined to protect the achievements and to defend the interests of the Moroccan community living in the Netherlands. It will mobilize all means, for this purpose.
“Morocco hopes that the Netherlands will reconsider this decision, which would not remain without consequences on bilateral relations and will resume the path of dialogue and discussion, to find a solution that satisfies both parties,” the statement closed.
