Upcoming Royal Visit to Ceuta and Melilla

The King of Spain, Felipe VI, along with Queen Letizia, is scheduled to visit the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla on October 13, marking a significant occasion as this will be their first visit since Felipe VI's ascension to the throne in 2014. This royal journey comes after a period of heightened tensions with Morocco, particularly following the arrival of over 80,000 migrants in Ceuta, which has stirred political discussions and concerns. The announcement was officially confirmed by sources from both the Spanish government and the Royal Palace, ending weeks of speculation about the trip.

This visit is particularly noteworthy as it will only be the second occasion that Spanish monarchs have visited these cities since the restoration of the monarchy in Spain, the first being in November 2007 when King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía made their visit. The visit is part of a broader strategy discussed between the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and the Royal Palace, highlighting the need for royal representation in these regions amidst ongoing migratory challenges.

Political Context and Reactions

In the wake of the recent migrant crisis, King Felipe VI has been closely monitoring developments in Ceuta. He has engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Sánchez and local leaders to understand the evolving situation better. Notably, during a dinner event with French President Emmanuel Macron, the King referred to the migration incidents as "unacceptable," emphasizing the necessity for European borders to be respected and for the responsibilities of frontline countries to be recognized. The visit comes at a time when relations between Spain and Morocco have been strained, with the Spanish media suggesting that the timing was carefully considered to avoid exacerbating tensions.

Moreover, the Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, has clarified that the King and Queen do not require any formal approval from Morocco to visit Spanish territories, although they may inform Moroccan officials out of diplomatic courtesy. The last royal visit in 2007 had sparked outrage in Morocco, which claims Ceuta and Melilla as occupied territories, leading to a temporary recall of Morocco's ambassador to Spain. The upcoming visit is therefore seen as a delicate balancing act in Spanish-Moroccan relations.

As reported by yabiladi.com.