Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares praised Morocco’s cooperation in responding to the migration crisis that unfolded in Ceuta in recent days, saying Rabat coordinated with Madrid from the outset to curb migrant arrivals and facilitate their return.
Speaking to Spanish public broadcaster RTVE’s program La Hora de La 1, Albares described the surge in migrant crossings into the Spanish enclave as “highly unusual,” stressing that Morocco “offered its cooperation from the very beginning” to help prevent further arrivals and ensure the prompt return of migrants.
He said the vast majority of those who entered Ceuta in recent days have already returned, adding that Spanish authorities are continuing repatriation operations in close coordination with their Moroccan counterparts.
Albares also firmly rejected suggestions that Morocco was responsible for the crisis, saying he remained in constant contact with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit throughout the episode.
According to the Spanish foreign minister, Moroccan authorities demonstrated their willingness to mobilize security and human resources to help contain the situation.
He said the partnership between Madrid and Rabat had once again proven effective in managing shared challenges, particularly migration, noting that continuous communication between the two governments enabled the rapid activation of coordination mechanisms and helped restore normality in Ceuta.
Albares also reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to strengthening security and diplomatic cooperation with Morocco, describing open communication channels as essential to addressing irregular migration, particularly amid mounting pressure on Europe’s southern borders.
He added that the Spanish government will continue implementing measures to secure its borders while pursuing those responsible for online disinformation campaigns that contributed to escalating the crisis. He concluded that Moroccan-Spanish cooperation played a decisive role in bringing the situation under control within a short period.
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