On October 3, 2026, it has been confirmed that King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain will be visiting the cities of Ceuta and Melilla on October 13 and 14. This marks the couple's first official visit to these territories, yet it has notably prompted no official response from Morocco, raising eyebrows regarding diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Spanish daily El País highlighted the lack of a formal stance from Moroccan officials following the announcement of this visit, which was made on Thursday. The impending trip comes in the wake of significant migratory movements from Morocco observed at the end of July, further complicating the relationship between Spain and Morocco.
From Spain's perspective, the schedule for the visit has already been set. The royal couple plans to commence their trip in Ceuta on October 13, subsequently moving to Melilla the following day. This visit has been coordinated in collaboration with the Spanish government and the Royal House. Notably, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will not accompany them, as reported by the EFE news agency.
This royal journey was initially contemplated prior to the summer crisis. Following the events of July, Felipe VI had a meeting with the president of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, who publicly expressed his commitment to the visit. Madrid is framing this royal engagement as a demonstration of state support for the two cities, which have been a focal point of tension in Spanish-Moroccan relations.
Historical Context and Potential Diplomatic Tensions
The last visit by a Spanish monarch to Ceuta and Melilla dates back to November 2007, when King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía's trip incited a diplomatic crisis with Morocco. In anticipation of their arrival, Morocco had recalled its ambassador in Spain, Omar Azziman, for consultations. King Mohammed VI condemned the visit, asserting it contradicted the sentiments of the Moroccan populace. This historical context looms over the preparation for Felipe VI's upcoming trip, particularly as he ascended to the throne in 2014.
An anonymous political analyst interviewed by El País suggested that a diplomatic protest could be on the horizon as the visit approaches. However, they also believe that both countries will strive to maintain cordial relations, despite the underlying tensions. Felipe VI has taken the matter of Ceuta to his European partners, most recently during a state dinner in Madrid for French President Emmanuel Macron on September 29, where he called for greater solidarity from EU countries to safeguard what he referred to as a Spanish and European border.
As reported by bladi.net.
