Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to maintaining constructive relations with Morocco, following King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia’s official visit to Ceuta and Melilla.
Speaking to journalists upon his arrival in Brussels for a European Council meeting, Sánchez stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with Morocco. He declined to speculate on Rabat’s possible response to the royal visit, instead emphasising Madrid’s commitment to a constructive relationship with its North African neighbour.
Sánchez’s remarks came amid questions about the diplomatic implications of the royal couple’s visit to the two Spanish-occupied cities, which Morocco considers part of its territory.
The Spanish prime minister defended the visit as a demonstration of the Spanish state’s presence in Ceuta and Melilla. He also stressed that both cities remain close to the hearts of Spaniards.
King Felipe VI also called for Spain and Morocco to maintain a relationship based on trust, responsibility and good faith during his visit to Melilla
The European Commission declined to comment on the entry of Moroccan warships into waters off Ceuta in late July, referring questions about the incident to the Moroccan and Spanish authorities while reiterating that Morocco is a «strategic partner» on migration.
A Commission spokesperson told Spanish news agency EFE on Wednesday that it was for the authorities of the two countries to clarify the facts.
A NATO official likewise declined to comment on the incident, referring questions to the Spanish authorities.
Spanish government spokesperson Elma Saiz described the entry of the Moroccan vessels as an «isolated» incident, stressing that it had been handled «entirely normally» within the framework of good-neighbourly relations between the two countries.
Police in Ceuta have apprehended 40 individuals accused of attempting to board ferries to Algeciras using identity documents belonging to others. Additionally, five people face charges for allegedly providing these documents.
Sources indicate the suspects purchased national ID cards for amounts up to €6,000, aiming to reach Spain while avoiding port security scrutiny.
The investigation launched at Ceuta’s port when officers noticed discrepancies between passengers’ physical appearances and the photos on their presented identification documents.
Police uncovered a surge in reported thefts or losses of ID and travel documents in Ceuta. These same documents were often used repeatedly by different individuals, pointing to potential organised criminal networks facilitating illegal migration.
Barcelona’s Nou Camp and Real Madrid’s Bernabeu are on a list of possible stadiums as Spain bids to host the Rugby World Cup in 2035.
The Spanish Rugby Federation says it aims to deliver the “best World Cup in history”, connecting the tournament to 700 million Spanish speakers worldwide.
If Spain’s bid is successful, the revamped Nou Camp is in line to host the final, which would be the first time the World Cup showpiece has been held in front of more than 100,000 fans.
Argentina and Japan are also bidding to host the tournament, with World Rugby expected to announce its preferred bidder in the spring or summer of 2027.
The Rugby World Cup bid has the support of the Spanish government as well as La Liga, with some of the most iconic stadiums in world football on a list of potential venues.