The Muslim Community of Melilla has sent a letter to King Felipe VI this Sunday in which it conveys its gratitude for the "interest, sensitivity, and institutional closeness" that, in its opinion, the head of State has shown regarding the recent events that occurred in Ceuta and Melilla.
In the letter, dated August 2, the association expresses its "most sincere gratitude" both for the statement issued by the Royal House and for the contacts maintained with the presidents of the two autonomous cities during the recent migration crisis. It assures that these initiatives have "extraordinary institutional and human value," especially at a time when the population "needs to feel the support and presence of the institutions that represent the unity and permanence of Spain."
The Muslim Community also emphasizes the strategic, historical, and geopolitical relevance of Ceuta and Melilla as the southern border of Spain and the European Union, reminding that both cities face constant challenges that require "the attention and commitment of all State institutions."
In this regard, it understands that Felipe VI's involvement has sent "a message of trust, serenity, and unity" highly appreciated by the neighbors and argues that gestures of this kind strengthen the relationship between the Crown and the entire citizenry, by highlighting that "no territory is left out of the concern and commitment of the Head of State."
The letter concludes by reiterating the recognition of the Muslim Community of Melilla towards the Monarch for his institutional closeness and expressing its "institutional loyalty," as well as sending its best wishes both for the Crown and for Spain.
The document, signed by the president of the entity, Mohamed Ahmed, arrives after King Felipe VI publicly expressed his support for Ceuta and Melilla amid the migration crisis and emphasized that it is the State's responsibility to guarantee the security of the autonomous cities to prevent episodes like those experienced in recent days in Ceuta and, to a lesser extent, in Melilla.
The Royal House communicated on Saturday that the head of State has followed the situation with "great concern and indignation" and considers it essential to adopt all necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of events that, in addition, "have resulted in a sad and tragic loss of dozens of lives."
From Zarzuela, the importance of conveying "in a united, clear, and decisive manner" the support and affection of all of Spain to the inhabitants of Ceuta and Melilla has also been emphasized, in a context marked by tension at the southern border.
In his follow-up on the crisis, Felipe VI has maintained constant communication with the main authorities involved. In addition to conversing since last Thursday with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and with the leader of the Popular Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the Monarch has spoken with the presidents of Ceuta and Melilla, Juan Jesús Vivas and Juan José Imbroda, respectively, to whom he personally conveyed "words of encouragement and firmness."
The position expressed by the King coincides with the decision of the European Union to convene an extraordinary meeting of the interior ministers next Tuesday in order to study the evolution of the migratory crisis unleashed in Ceuta and its impact on the southern border of Europe.