The King of Spain has visited Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in North Africa caught in a sovereignty dispute with Morocco. This marks the first visit to Ceuta by a Spanish head of state since 2007.

According to the Spanish news agency EFE, King Felipe VI, accompanied by Queen Letizia, made his first visit to Ceuta on the 13th (local time) since ascending to the throne 12 years ago. During his address, he stated, "Spain's sovereignty and territorial integrity are not up for negotiation and are beyond controversy."

King Felipe VI further emphasized, "We must always uphold the principle that Ceuta is Spain, and Ceuta is Europe."

On that day, thousands of Ceuta residents waved Spanish flags and chanted, "I am Spanish." One resident told Reuters, "I am delighted that the King and Queen are visiting Ceuta for the first time," adding, "They should visit more often in the future."

Reuters explained that the visit comes as tensions between the two countries heighten due to Morocco's claims over the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, compounded by a mass border-crossing incident last July.

Located in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla are autonomous cities bordering Morocco, separated from the Spanish mainland.

Spain has ruled Ceuta and Melilla since the 17th and 15th centuries, respectively. However, Morocco has claimed sovereignty over the two cities since gaining independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1956.

When then-Spanish King Juan Carlos I visited Ceuta and Melilla in 2007, Morocco strongly protested, including recalling its ambassador to Spain.

The two countries have also been engaged in a blame game over a mass border-crossing incident in late July, where approximately 80,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta.

While most of the migrants have returned to Morocco, around 10,000 remain in Ceuta, staying in temporary reception facilities. This has increased the burden on local public services, heightening criticism against the government ahead of the upcoming general election on November 29.

On this day, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited the graves of victims who died during the crossing to pay their respects. After spending the night in Ceuta, they plan to travel to Melilla on the 14th.

The Spanish media outlet El País reported that Morocco has not made any official response to King Felipe VI's visit to Ceuta.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]