Spanish King Felipe visits Ceuta and Melilla to reaffirm sovereignty

King Felipe of Spain conducted a historic two-day visit to the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on October 13 and 14, 2026. This visit, his first since ascending the throne in 2014, comes two and a half months after a major migration crisis strained relations between Madrid and Rabat. During his address, the King declared that Ceuta and Melilla are an inseparable part of Spain and described Madrid's sovereignty over the territories as indisputable and non-negotiable.

While asserting that Spain has a duty to defend the enclaves against any risk, King Felipe also emphasized the need for a future-oriented relationship with Morocco based on trust, good faith, and responsibility. He expressed his desire for continued peace, security, and stability between the two nations. The royal couple, accompanied by Queen Letizia, received a warm welcome from crowds in both cities, marking a contrast to the diplomatic tensions triggered by a similar visit in 2007 by the former King Juan Carlos.