Spain reaffirms Morocco as trusted partner amid Ceuta migration crisis

Saturday 01 - 16:15

By: Sahili Aya

Spain reaffirms Morocco as trusted partner amid Ceuta migration crisis

Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has defended Morocco's role as a key security partner, insisting that Rabat poses no threat to either Ceuta or Spain despite the recent surge in irregular migration toward the North African enclave.

Speaking during a visit to Ceuta, Grande-Marlaska praised the rapid response of Spanish authorities, saying the migration emergency had been brought under control in just over 24 hours. He described the operation as an example of the country's ability to respond swiftly to large-scale border challenges.

The minister also sought to reinforce diplomatic ties with Morocco, emphasizing that cooperation between the two countries remained strong throughout the crisis. He said communication between Madrid and Rabat had been continuous at every level and stressed that both governments had worked together to safeguard their respective borders.

Rejecting suggestions that Morocco had contributed to the migration pressure, Grande-Marlaska described the Kingdom as "an absolutely reliable partner" in managing shared security challenges. His remarks underline Spain's commitment to maintaining close coordination with Morocco on migration and border management, an issue that remains central to relations between the two neighboring countries.

The minister added that joint efforts had focused on preventing irregular crossings not only into Ceuta but also toward Melilla, another Spanish enclave on Morocco's Mediterranean coast. Cooperation between security services, he said, continues to play a crucial role in addressing migration flows while preserving regional stability.

The latest statements highlight Madrid's intention to strengthen bilateral collaboration with Rabat as both countries confront recurring migration pressures along one of the European Union's most sensitive external borders.