فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Amid the controversy stirred within Spanish political and media circles regarding what was perceived as Morocco’s “unilateral closure of customs crossings” in the occupied cities of Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares issued official and decisive clarifications denying all the misleading claims that were circulated.
Albares affirmed in a press statement from the city of Santander that customs between Morocco and Spain “are not permanently closed,” explaining that what occurred was a temporary reduction or suspension of goods flow through the land border crossings, based on a mutual agreement between the two countries. This measure aimed to prioritize the movement of travelers within the framework of the “Marhaba” operation dedicated to the Moroccan diaspora abroad.
The Spanish minister pointed out that customs authorities on both sides continue to maintain constant coordination to facilitate the smooth flow of goods and people. He added that “any talk of a permanent closure of the crossings is completely unfounded and cannot happen under any circumstances.”
Albares strongly criticized certain political and media factions promoting what he described as “misleading or malicious interpretations,” considering that these voices seek to undermine the positive trajectory of relations between Rabat and Madrid by exploiting temporary details to stir artificial crises.
In a clear political message, the head of Spanish diplomacy emphasized his country’s commitment to the strategic partnership with Morocco and affirmed that bilateral coordination continues at the highest levels, involving both foreign and interior ministries, to ensure proper management of border crossings with a view to their development in the interest of both countries.
Albares’ statements come amid rising partisan rhetoric hostile to Moroccan-Spanish rapprochement, especially following Madrid’s recognition of the autonomy initiative as a serious and realistic solution to the Moroccan Sahara issue in April 2022. This recognition has given bilateral relations an unprecedented boost across various fields including economy, security, energy, and migration.
This official clarification from the Spanish government is seen as a calming message directed at the Spanish domestic audience, reaffirming Morocco’s central role in Spain’s foreign policy agenda and the two countries’ desire to overcome all temporary tensions in favor of building a partnership based on trust and mutual interests.
