Moscow: Spain's Refusal to Let Russian Ships Into Ceuta Port Violates Partnership Declaration

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow is surprised by Spain denying Russian ships entry to the port of Ceuta, a move that contradicts the declaration of partnership between the two countries, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Saturday.

"We were surprised to find out that the Spanish authorities refused to issue permission for the ships of Russia's Northern Fleet [destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov and tugboat Altai] to enter the port of Ceuta. This situation seems at least strange, especially in light of the established positive practice of interaction concerning the entry of Russian warships into Spanish ports," Zakharova said in a statement.

This step "undoubtedly contradicts the spirit of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed between the two countries in 2009, as well as the constructive development of Russian-Spanish relations in the recent years," the diplomat noted.

The decision of the Spanish authorities to leak the story to the national media is a "Russophobic" signal ahead of the NATO summit to be hosted in Madrid in 2022, the ministry spokeswoman also said.

On Friday, the Russian embassy refuted the Spanish Foreign Ministry's claims that Moscow failed to provide documents necessary for two Russian warships to enter the port of Ceuta.

Earlier, El Pais reported that Spain had not let the Russian destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov and support ship Altay stay at the port of Ceuta on 18-20 August. Although the Spanish Defence Ministry did not have any objections to this, the Foreign Ministry asked Moscow about the final goal of the campaign and ultimately declined Russia's request.