In Melilla, Felipe VI calls for good neighbourly relations with Morocco
The 14 October speech combines cooperation with Rabat and an affirmation of Spain’s position on the city.
Felipe VI called on Spain and Morocco to preserve good neighbourly relations based on trust and responsibility in his speech in Melilla on 14 October. The full text published by the Spanish Royal Household places peace, security, stability and cooperation at the heart of that appeal.
The king of Spain spoke during a visit with Queen Letizia, a day after their trip to Sebta. He thanked residents for their welcome and discussed Melilla’s cultural diversity and the work of public services.
This opening towards Morocco accompanies an explicit affirmation of Spain’s position: Felipe VI presents Melilla as a Spanish and European city, and its border as a European Union border. That formulation belongs to the Spanish sovereign; it does not constitute a bilateral agreement on the city’s status.
The passage on neighbourly relations expresses a desired direction for ties between the two kingdoms. It announces no border measure, new economic agreement or negotiation timetable. The speech therefore sets out the royal appeal without establishing a joint decision with Rabat.