The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, visited the Autonomous City of Ceuta on Tuesday, 11 August. While there, he met with President Vivas to discuss the situation at the border, the city’s needs and cooperation with Morocco, as well as opportunities for collaboration and support at European level.
The Minister conveyed his own support and that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the authorities and people of Ceuta and Melilla, the security forces and the military personnel deployed and working in both cities. He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to Spain’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the need to work in unity, bringing together the people of Ceuta in all their diversity, all Spanish political forces and all Europeans.
On the first visit by a Spanish Foreign Minister to Ceuta, Albares highlighted the work that the Ministry has been carrying out in three areas since the beginning of the crisis. Firstly, facilitating the return to Morocco of those who entered irregularly and have not yet returned, through joint diplomatic efforts with Morocco. Secondly, combating disinformation on social media through the Ministry’s own website, including in Arabic, and the official social media accounts of embassies and consulates, which counter hoaxes and fake news through public statements and posts across the social media channels of the Ministry and the Embassy in Rabat. Thirdly, supporting the reinforcement of the border to ensure effective control.
The Foreign Minister highlighted cooperation with the European Union Commissioners for Home Affairs and the Mediterranean “to work together in support of Ceuta and Melilla and strengthen the EU’s most unique border”. “We will raise in Europe the need to strengthen support for the autonomous cities. In Ceuta and Melilla, the integrity of the Schengen Area is fully guaranteed,” Albares explained.
Border control regime for Ceuta and Melilla
Ceuta and Melilla have a border control regime that is unique in Europe, with a double filter: one check at the border with Morocco and a second Schengen check on departure for mainland Spain, by sea or air.
“No one can travel to the European mainland without presenting identification to the National Police, and anyone who enters Spain irregularly is returned to Morocco. Above all, anyone who enters Ceuta or Melilla will ultimately be returned,” the Minister recalled.
Images of the meeting are available
here.
-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-