King Felipe VI has addressed irregular migration, Spain’s territorial sovereignty and relations with Morocco during his first official visit to Ceuta, where cheering crowds welcomed him and Queen Letizia on Tuesday, October 13.
The King delivered his message after a day of meetings, school visits and a memorial honouring those who died during the mass crossings from Morocco in July.
His speech focused on the challenges facing the North African Spanish city, with a call for political unity and a clear statement that the rights of residents and the country’s borders must be protected.
King’s message on migration
Speaking to representatives of Ceuta’s society, Felipe VI said people who entered Spain irregularly should, as a general principle, return to their place of origin as soon as possible.
However, he stressed that migrants must be treated with dignity and humanity while they remain in the country, with their legal rights respected.
The King also reflected on the impact of the mass crossings on July 30 and 31, saying the events had left a lasting mark on the city and its residents.
He acknowledged the social, political, economic and psychological consequences, arguing that public authorities and political leaders must respond to the situation with unity and practical solutions.
Felipe called on local and national institutions, political parties and the Crown to meet their responsibilities to the people of Ceuta.
‘Sovereignty is not negotiable’
The monarch also made a firm statement on Ceuta’s place within Spain, declaring that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country were not open to negotiation.
He described Ceuta and Melilla as an inseparable part of Spain’s political and national identity, a message that was met with applause during his address.
Relations with neighbouring Morocco were another central theme.
Felipe said Spain and the European Union had a responsibility to maintain good relations with Morocco, with the aim of promoting prosperity on both sides of the border.
He said such cooperation should be founded on mutual trust and respect, helping to safeguard regional stability, peace and security.
The King added that achieving this relationship required good faith from both sides, while reaffirming Spain’s commitment to working towards those goals.
Crowds welcome King and Queen
The royal couple received a warm welcome from residents as they arrived at Ceuta’s town hall in Plaza de África on their historic visit.
Felipe and Letizia met local officials and representatives of the community before receiving the Golden Key of the City and signing the visitors’ book.
Their programme also included a visit to Vicente Aleixandre public school, where pupils are educated in a multicultural environment that promotes respect between different faiths.
Later, the King and Queen attended a memorial at Sidi Embarek Muslim cemetery, paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the July crossings.
The visit brought together the institutional and community aspects of the royal programme, with the Crown seeking to convey its support for the people of Ceuta.
What’s happening next?
The royal couple are due to continue their visit on Wednesday, October 14, travelling to Melilla for a further programme of official engagements.
The schedule includes a reception with local authorities at the Assembly of Melilla, a visit to Pintor Eduardo Morillas infant and primary school, and a meeting with representatives of the local community.
Felipe is also expected to address residents during the visit.
The trip gives the King an opportunity to deliver a similar message of support to Melilla, the other Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast.
With migration, border security and relations with Morocco continuing to attract attention, the focus will now turn to what the royal couple say and do during their second day of engagements.
Their visit is also being closely watched because Morocco disputes Spain’s sovereignty over both territories, making the royal presence politically sensitive as well as significant for residents.