Ceuta and Melilla: Bourita tries to reassure Madrid, but Albares is not convinced

The Spanish foreign minister revealed this exchange on Tuesday, September 8, during an interview given to RTVE. According to him, Nasser Bourita explained that these statements were made in an “electoral context.”

The head of Moroccan diplomacy reportedly also specified that the ministers concerned had spoken as representatives of their political parties and not in their capacity as government members. Above all, Bourita reportedly told him that this was “certainly not” Morocco’s official position.

On Bladi.net : Spain officially toughens its tone: Morocco’s claims “degrade” relations

This explanation comes after several statements by Moroccan officials demanding Ceuta and Melilla, which provoked a strong reaction in Madrid. Spain had officially warned that these claims were damaging bilateral relations.

Bourita’s explanation does not convince Albares

José Manuel Albares says he clearly told his Moroccan counterpart that these statements were “absolutely unacceptable.” For Madrid, no discussion on the sovereignty of the two cities is conceivable.

On Bladi.net : Ceuta and Melilla Shown as “Disputed Areas” with Morocco: Madrid Removes Map from Its Own Website

The Spanish minister also rejects the electoral campaign argument. He believes that, regardless of the context in which they are made, such statements damage relations between the two countries.