The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, José Manuel Albares, warned that the statements by Moroccan ministers claiming Ceuta and Melilla "degrade the bilateral relationship" between the two countries. Albares emphasized that Spain will never talk about this issue, reiterating the unwavering position of the Spanish government regarding the two autonomous cities.
These statements come in the context of the Moroccan electoral campaign for the September 23 elections. During this period, several members of the Moroccan government have made public statements about the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla, which has generated diplomatic tension between Madrid and Rabat.
The Spanish minister acknowledged that these claims may be motivated by the dynamics of electoral campaigns, but considered that this does not justify attacks on Spanish sovereignty. According to Albares, regardless of Morocco's internal political circumstances, such statements harm relations between the two countries.
Spain thus maintains its position that Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish sovereign territory and are not subject to negotiation or discussion with any third country, including Morocco, its neighbor and strategic partner.
