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Rabat – Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has dismissed concerns that the good relationship between US President Donald Trump and Morocco will have any effect on the situation of the two enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
Albares’ comments follow the emergence of several media reports in Spain speculating that Trump will recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, in what some referred to as a possible “new Green March” toward the two enclaves.
Albares spoke to Telecinco about his country’s relationship with Morocco, describing the North African country as “a friendly country and strategic partner,” while “the United States has been and remains the natural ally of all Europeans.”
Speaking of the enclaves, the Spanish minister reminded of their legal and administrative status within Spain noting that it is clear to everyone.
He further mentioned cooperation and respect as the basis for the good relations that tie both countries.
In this concern, he brought the recent agreements between Spain and Morocco to reopen customs in Melilla and establish a new customs crossing in Ceuta, reflecting the ongoing bilateral understanding between Madrid and Rabat.
Albares also pointed to strong cooperation on irregular migration and counter-terrorism efforts, along with record-breaking trade exchanges totaling €25 billion, which displays the strong economic relationship between the two countries.
The minister’s statements come in response to speculation in some Spanish media outlets, particularly a headline in El Español suggesting “fears in Ceuta and Melilla of Morocco repeating the Green March scenario with Trump’s support.”
Albares dismissed this discussion as absurd, confirming there are no genuine concerns within the two cities, and noting that local political leaders have not engaged with these claims.
Read also: Spanish Media: Trump May Recognize Ceuta, Melilla as Moroccan Territory
The controversy was reignited after the recirculation of Trump’s statement during his first term: “Today I signed a declaration recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Morocco’s autonomy proposal is the only serious and realistic option for a just and lasting solution that brings enduring peace and prosperity.”
El Español recently asserted that following Trump’s recent attacks on Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his position on the Ukraine war “make any scenario in international politics now plausible.”
Despite this statement not being new, some media outlets have amplified it, sparking speculation about potential implications for Ceuta and Melilla – a scenario firmly rejected by Minister Albares.
