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Rabat – Spanish Minister of Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska reaffirmed on Monday that the borders between Morocco and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla will open soon.
Grande-Marlaska’s response came a week after Spain published a provision extending the closure of borders between the Spanish enclaves and Morocco until April 30.
Grande-Marlaska did not give any specific date for the reopening of borders, which have been closed for more than two years.
However, he said that a working group is working on a dossier to reopen the borders, according to Europa Press.
“The opening will be done under the necessary requirements. It will be gradual in accordance with a joint agreement between Morocco and Spain to guarantee the safety of all citizens,” he added.
Spain and Morocco agreed to reopen borders for passengers and goods during a visit from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Rabat earlier this month.
During the visit, Spain and Morocco released a joint declaration establishing that the two countries are looking forward to reinforcing a “sustainable and ambitious roadmap” to improve their bilateral relations.
Sanchez’ visit ended a year-long diplomatic crisis between the two countries. The Polisario leader’s trip to Spain triggered the crisis between Rabat and Madrid in April 2021.
As part of their reconciliation plan, Morocco and Spain decided to reopen borders to fully normalize the movement of persons and goods in an orderly manner.
Spain and Morocco also agreed to ensure appropriate customs and personnel control arrangements on land and sea.
Moroccan ports have already begun to receive maritime ferries, carrying passengers and vehicles as part of the countries’ joint declaration.
As part of the countries’ new ambitious roadmap, Spain has been vowing that borders between Morocco and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla will reopen gradually.
The borders had been closed for a couple of years due to COVID-19 as well as Morocco’s restrictions against goods trafficking hampering the country’s economy.
Morocco tightened restrictions on the Ceuta and Melilla border crossings to end smuggling activities.
Many Moroccans were generating incomes by bringing goods from the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla to resell them in Morocco.
Due to impacts on Morocco’s economy, the North African country expressed concerns on the illegal import of goods from the Spanish enclaves.
It remains to be seen whether the opening of Morocco’s borders with the Spanish enclaves will be announced after April 30, when the extension date of closure will expire.
