The new roadmap agreed upon between Madrid and Rabat during the high-level meeting on February 1-2 regarding the Sebta/Melilla Customs offices is being carefully monitored and adhered to by both countries, reiterated Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares during a press conference following the ministerial meeting on Tuesday morning.
This contradicts reports in Spanish media about alleged delays from Rabat’s side in the opening of Customs offices in the Spanish-occupied enclaves.
The Foreign Minister pointed out, “Regarding customs, the entire agreed roadmap with Morocco is being fulfilled,” and denied any violations during the High-Level Meeting in Rabat.
He went on to highlight the fact that Sebta’s historical (i.e., dating back several centuries) lack of a customs office has been proven to be a significant challenge, along with the absence of a facility in Melilla since 2018.
Opening these types of facilities is a complex, multi-step process; however, the minister remains optimistic about the procedure.
It is worth mentioning that the Spanish government’s official spokesperson, Isabel Rodriguez, confirmed on Monday that Morocco is not delaying the undertaking in Sebta and Melilla. She confirmed the existence of bilateral negotiations, and that the coordination for opening the border is progressing well.