Spain rejects Morocco’s call for talks on Ceuta and Melilla sovereignty

Madrid: Spain has rejected Morocco’s call to establish talks on the future sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish territories located on the North African coast.

According to Euronews, Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi had called for dialogue with Spain over the status of the two territories, describing them as part of Morocco’s “historical and geographical” territory.

Spain’s Foreign Ministry rejected the proposal, maintaining that Ceuta and Melilla are an integral part of Spain’s territory and that their sovereignty is not open to negotiations. Madrid also considers both territories part of the European Union.

Morocco has long claimed sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, while Spain maintains that both cities are Spanish territories. The issue remains a sensitive point in relations between Madrid and Rabat.

The latest dispute comes amid renewed attention to the two territories following tensions and migration-related incidents involving Ceuta.