The truth about the closed-door talks between Bourita and Albares on the file of the two occupied cities

Unprecedented diplomatic moves: when Albares reveals the untold

In a move that has sparked many questions in political circles, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has chosen to break with established diplomatic custom by revealing details of closed-door talks held with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. This deliberate “leak” puts the relationship between Rabat and Madrid to a new test, especially regarding the file of the occupied cities of Ceuta and Melilla.

Spanish clarifications and “electoral” interpretations

During a television interview, Albares stated that he had received Moroccan assurances regarding recent statements made by Moroccan ministers about the Moroccanness of the two cities. The Spanish minister explained that Bourita assured him that those positions reflected partisan convictions within the context of electoral competition and did not represent the official stance of the Moroccan state. However, Albares did not hesitate to emphasize that Madrid considers such statements “unacceptable”, stressing his country’s rejection of any discussion affecting its territorial integrity.

Migration file and fake news

Beyond political tension, Albares addressed the migration events that took place in Fnideq and Ceuta late last July. He quoted Bourita as categorically confirming that Moroccan authorities were not a party to these events, noting that investigations proved that “fake news” on social media platforms led to the mobilization of youth and their influx toward the border, following misinterpretations of judicial decisions.

Academic reading: “Albares acts on his own”

Analyzing this media appearance, experts in international relations believe that what Albares announced is a “unilateral interpretation” that does not necessarily reflect the reality of diplomatic dialogues, which are usually characterized by total confidentiality. Observers note that the official Moroccan silence denotes political wisdom, confirming that Morocco does not need to justify its positions on the occupied cities, and that Rabat is keen on the continuity of economic paths and bilateral cooperation, while the file of the two cities remains present in the strategic depth of the Kingdom without resorting to political posturing.

This media appearance remains an indicator of the internal pressures facing the Spanish government, rather than an expression of a change in the nature of the strategic relations between the two neighboring countries.