Royal Visit Highlights Spain's Commitment to Ceuta and Melilla
CEUTA (dpa-AFX) - In a significant statement made two and a half months following an unprecedented surge of migrants in Ceuta, King Felipe VI of Spain has reiterated that both this city and its counterpart, Melilla, are inseparable parts of the nation. During an address to local representatives, the monarch asserted, "The sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country are non-negotiable." His visit, accompanied by Queen Letizia, was aimed at assuring the nearly 85,000 residents of the enclave near the Strait of Gibraltar of the Crown's unwavering support, especially after a staggering 80,000 migrants arrived from Morocco in late July. "We will not leave you alone and defenseless," he vowed, emphasizing that Ceuta and Melilla are vital components of Spain, while also advocating for amicable relations with the neighboring North African country.
The two Spanish enclaves along the North African coast are claimed by Morocco, and the severe border crisis in July has put pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government, further straining the already complex relations between Madrid and Rabat. Since the mass influx, the situation in Ceuta has notably calmed. Following the dismantling of the last temporary shelters on the beaches, thousands of migrants are currently housed in a temporary reception center in the port area, many of whom had previously endured weeks of harsh conditions outdoors. According to the Madrid government, most of these individuals have voluntarily returned to Morocco.
Emotional Reception for the Royals
The King has previously condemned the migrant surge as an "unacceptable" violation of borders, insisting that individuals entering Spain irregularly should be returned to their home countries as swiftly as possible. However, he also stressed the importance of treating those who remain in Spain with dignity and humanity. Thousands of people lined the streets to welcome the royal couple, cheering enthusiastically with chants of "Felipe, Felipe!" and "Viva España!" During their visit, the King and Queen shook hands with countless individuals for approximately 20 minutes, amidst waving Spanish flags. RTVE characterized the visit as "historic." The last visit by a Spanish head of state to Ceuta and Melilla occurred nearly two decades ago, in 2007, when former King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia visited. Felipe and Letizia are set to stay overnight in Ceuta for the first time since the end of Franco's dictatorship in the mid-1970s, and they plan to visit Melilla as well on Wednesday.
After a reception at the town hall, the monarchs toured various sites in Ceuta, including a school. They also held an interreligious memorial service at the Muslim cemetery for those who perished attempting to cross the sea to Ceuta on July 30 and 31. Dozens of bodies were recovered during this tragic event, with estimates placing the death toll at a minimum of 140, although humanitarian organizations suggest the actual figure may be significantly higher.
As reported by live.deutsche-boerse.com.
