Bourita and Albares to Meet in New York to Discuss the Situation in Ceuta

Moroccan and Spanish Foreign Ministers to Discuss Migration Crisis in Ceuta This Week

This week, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Spanish counterpart José Manuel Albares are set to meet in New York during the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week. The main topic on the agenda will be the migration situation in Ceuta, particularly the return of migrants who remain in the city following the large influx recorded on July 30.

José Manuel Albares confirmed the preparation for this meeting in statements made in New York. According to the Spanish minister, the two officials regularly communicate and have arranged for an in-person meeting, although the exact date and time are yet to be determined based on their respective schedules.

The Return of Migrants at the Heart of Discussions

This meeting comes at a time when Spanish authorities are working to organize the return of migrants still present in Ceuta after the events of July 30. Albares mentioned that this issue will be among the key topics discussed with Nasser Bourita.

The head of Spanish diplomacy also touched on regular contacts with Rabat concerning the prevention of future irregular entry attempts. He stated that Morocco has committed to collaborating with Spain on this matter. However, these statements originate from the Spanish side, and no specific confirmation has been released from Morocco regarding the content of the discussions at this stage.

Calls for New Attempts Circulate on Social Media

The discussions take place against a backdrop of circulating messages on social media urging another attempt to enter Ceuta on September 23.

José Manuel Albares noted that Madrid and Rabat maintain communication on this issue and that preventive measures are being implemented. Additionally, Spanish authorities have launched a campaign to disseminate information regarding the conditions for entry and residence in Ceuta and Melilla.

This situation arises after a massive migration operation at the end of July. Reuters reported on September 18 that approximately 10,000 migrants were still in Ceuta, following the departure or return of a significant portion of those who had entered the city.

A Meeting within the Framework of the UN General Assembly

The meeting between Nasser Bourita and José Manuel Albares is part of the bilateral discussions organized alongside the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly.

At this point, both governments have not publicly announced the exact date of the meeting or provided a definitive agenda. The available details are primarily based on statements from the Spanish minister, who expressed a desire to engage in a “calm and serene” discussion with his Moroccan counterpart about the situation in Ceuta.