In recent developments, Spain is poised to appoint seasoned diplomat Enrique Ojeda as its new ambassador to Rabat, replacing the current ambassador, Ricardo Díez-Hochleitner. Ojeda, with over 27 years of professional experience, notably in Latin America, has held prestigious diplomatic positions, including being Spain’s ambassador to Chile and Bolivia.
Sources reveal that Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jose Manuel Albares, has initiated a thorough analysis of potential candidates for the ambassadorial role in Morocco. Among them is the current Spanish ambassador to India, Jose Maria Redondo, known for his background in Arab law and his affiliation with the late writer Juan Goytisolo.
It’s noteworthy that Díez-Hochleitner remained in his position for more than eight years, sparking controversy due to his continuation after reaching the retirement age for diplomats. The diplomatic veteran, who had spent considerable time in the kingdom, faced discussions about his replacement in the latter part of 2020. However, the subsequent diplomatic crisis between the two nations didn’t entirely encourage his departure upon request from Minister Albares.
The Spanish embassy in Morocco holds immense significance for Spanish diplomacy, making the appointment of a new ambassador a decision ultimately falling on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. This responsibility is particularly crucial in the aftermath of a diplomatic crisis lasting approximately two years, leading to renewed warmth and harmony in the bilateral relations between the two nations.
As Spain carefully navigates the process of selecting a new ambassador, all eyes are on the evolving dynamics between Morocco and Spain. The forthcoming diplomatic appointment signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to strengthen and normalize relations between these two nations.