Spain emphasises strategic security alliance with Morocco

The Minister visited the new Beni Enzar facilities, which have been modernised with an investment of 11 million euros - PHOTO/ @DelegGobMl

Margarita Arredondas

06 de febrero de 2025 (11:30 h.)

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At the Beni Enzar border crossing, the Spanish Minister of the Interior emphasised that cooperation between Rabat and Madrid is based on ‘maximum trust’

The Spanish Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, stated that Spain and Morocco have achieved an ‘exceptional and extraordinary’ level of bilateral relations during his visit to the Spanish city of Melilla, where he supervised the recently renovated Beni Enzar border crossing.

During a press conference at the border, Grande-Marlaska emphasised that the current cooperation between the two countries is based on ‘maximum trust’ and particularly highlighted Morocco's key role in the fight against terrorism, the prevention of organised crime and the management of irregular migration.

‘We are fully aware that the security of our citizens is our top priority,’ said Grande-Marlaska, who added that Morocco and Spain are ‘friendly countries’ and ‘brothers’.

The Spanish minister made these statements during a tour of the modernised Beni Enzar border crossing, which has been renovated with an investment of 11 million euros to meet the smart border standards established by the European Union.

The new infrastructure includes advanced technological systems, updated pedestrian and vehicle terminals, as well as improved surveillance capabilities, as reported by Morocco World News.

Border between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla, in North Africa, at Beni Enzar - REUTERS/ JESÚS BLANCO

Regarding the reopening of the commercial customs offices in Melilla and Ceuta, Grande-Marlaska emphasised that there is an ‘important agreement’ between the two countries.

The minister also pointed out that the customs technical teams are ‘finalising the necessary details’ for the openings, following Morocco's unilateral closure of Melilla's commercial customs in August 2018.

The minister confirmed that the smart border system is expected to be up and running in October, pending approval by the European Commission. This system will electronically record the entry and exit times of non-EU citizens entering the Schengen area for short stays.

Grande-Marlaska previously held an operational and coordination meeting with the delegate of the Government, and with the heads of the National Police and Civil Guard in Extranjería y Fronteras and in the autonomous city - PHOTO/ @DelegGobMl

The modernisation of the border is part of a total investment of 38 million euros in infrastructure improvements at the enclave's perimeter facilities, according to ministerial sources.

During his visit, Grande-Marlaska also had the opportunity to meet with various security officials, including the Commissioner for Foreign Affairs of the National Police, Julián Ávila, and the Lieutenant General Chief of the Border Command of the Civil Guard, Manuel Navarrete, to address operational issues.

The Spanish minister also addressed the procedures for refusal at the border, emphasising that the regulations in force in Spain are in line with international law and human rights conventions, citing the validation of several courts, including the European Court of Human Rights.