Albares on reopening Customs at Ceuta, Melilla: There is still wrok to do

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares emphasized that “Spain and Morocco have been aiming to reopen customs in Ceuta and Melilla on Wednesday, 8, but there is still work to do,” according to the Iberian news outlet El País.

Albares explained, during a joint press conference on Monday with his Indian counterpart, that “both countries believed that the 8th could be the day we took the first official step. However, there is still work to be done on both sides to resolve any technical issues.”

He said that “it surprises me on the topic of the customs that no one ever thought or even considered that there might be a customs in Ceuta one day, or that the one in Melilla would reopen. Everyone was living perfectly fine,”  adding that “now, every so often, comments about it come up from people who never cared before,”

The Minister recounted that “these days, I’ve had to listen to quite a few lies and some foolishness about what that future customs gate will be like.”

El País argued that éthe Minister did not explain what happened, as neither of the two trucks prepared in the two cities were able to cross into Morocco, with both vehicles turned back by Moroccan authorities, citing shifting justifications throughout the day, including technical reasons.”

It added, citing sources involved in the operation, that “all necessary documentation was in place, but the plans fell apart due to internal coordination issues” or, as described, “a lack of willingness from Morocco, “and no further expeditions have been attempted.

For context, Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, previously denied claims that delays in reopening customs at the occupied cities of Ceuta and Melilla were caused by any “obstacles” from Morocco.

He emphasized that the ongoing negotiations between Spain and Morocco were part of an “important agreement” designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation based on “maximum loyalty and collaboration.”

Responding to allegations that Morocco was hindering the reopening, he dismissed them as “false,” noting that technical talks were progressing toward resolving outstanding issues.