The President of the Businessmen’s Association in Melilla, Enrique Alcoba, stated that the King of Spain has expressed interest in visiting the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. He noted that the visit may occur “in the near future” following approval from the Spanish government.
Alcoba made this statement during a meeting of the National Executive Committee of the Spanish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Cepyme), held at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, attended by approximately thirty officials from various regions of Spain.
In remarks reported by the Spanish news agency Europa Press on Sunday, September 7, Alcoba reiterated his invitation to King Felipe VI for an official visit to the two cities. He mentioned that the king’s parents, Juan Carlos I and Sofia, visited Ceuta and Melilla in 2007, and that Queen Sofia recently visited Melilla for a charitable activity.
Alcoba added that King Felipe VI demonstrated “genuine and significant interest” in responding to this invitation. However, he clarified that organizing the visit is contingent on the approval of the central government in Madrid, emphasizing that “there is a real desire from the king to visit, and we hope he will be permitted to do so, and we will welcome him appropriately,” he stated.
According to the same source, the royal meeting with the committee members focused on the challenges facing small and medium enterprises, particularly those employing no more than five workers. Specific difficulties related to the two cities in North Africa were also raised, including issues concerning trade, transportation, and agriculture.
Additionally, Alcoba expressed that Melilla and Ceuta feel a “geographical and administrative distance from the center,” stating that residents of the two cities consider themselves “more Spanish.” This sentiment was conveyed directly to the King of Spain during the meeting.
It is noteworthy that King Felipe VI has not made an official visit to either city since ascending the throne in 2014, despite repeated invitations from local officials. This is attributed by some circles to diplomatic considerations related to the sensitivity of the issue in Madrid’s relations with Rabat.
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