Spain Prioritizes Diplomacy, Avoids Royal Visit to Disputed Ceuta
In a move signaling a commitment to strong Moroccan relations, the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has quietly sidestepped a request for King Felipe VI to visit the disputed city of Ceuta.
The request, seen as geopolitically sensitive, was deemed ill-timed by the Sánchez administration, which is prioritizing the positive momentum in Spanish-Moroccan relations following a historic meeting between Sánchez and King Mohammed VI of Morocco in April 2022.
This careful approach underscores Spain’s commitment to the roadmap for improved relations agreed upon during that meeting. The decision to forgo the royal visit, according to sources within the Spanish government, is rooted in a desire to avoid any action that could be perceived as provocative or disrespectful to Moroccan sovereignty.
Ceuta, along with Melilla, represents a point of contention in Spanish-Moroccan relations. Both cities, situated on the North African coast, are claimed by Morocco but administered by Spain. The territorial dispute has historically been a source of diplomatic tension.
Adding to the complexity, local political figures in Ceuta have differing views on the King’s postponed visit. Kisy Chandiramani, a city council member and spokesperson for the Popular Party in the Ceuta Assembly, suggested the central government’s decision was driven by a desire to avoid upsetting Morocco.
In contrast, Julia Ferreras, a representative of the leftist Ceuta Ya party, characterized the decision as a political maneuver to avoid “annoying the neighboring country.” She pointed out that King Felipe VI has not visited Ceuta since ascending to the throne a decade ago.
This is not the first time a Spanish monarch’s visit to Ceuta has sparked controversy. In 2007, a visit by former King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia triggered a diplomatic crisis, leading Morocco to recall its ambassador from Madrid.
The current Spanish government’s cautious approach reflects a broader shift in its foreign policy towards Morocco. In 2022, the Sánchez government expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara region, a move that further strengthened ties between the two nations.
This diplomatic shift aligns with the advice of senior figures within the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, including former Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos, who have advocated for prioritizing areas
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