Germany called on Morocco to help stabilize the situation around the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on the northern coast of Africa, where tensions have escalated in recent days due to migratory pressure, BILD reports.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held a phone conversation with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and called for de-escalation.

“The situation in Ceuta has become a real stress test, which we passed,” Wadephul told BILD.

At the same time, he emphasized the need to strengthen control of the European Union’s external borders and noted the importance of cooperation with countries outside Europe.

“To control illegal migration, we need partners outside Europe, as in this case Morocco,” the German minister said.

According to media reports, local politicians in Ceuta also appealed to the Spanish authorities to support the region. Despite the easing of the crisis, the situation remains tense.

Earlier, a large-scale migration crisis unfolded in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where about 60,000 migrants illegally crossed the border from Morocco. According to official data, at least 67 people died as a result of the crisis.

Against this backdrop, Spain began installing protective barriers on the breakwater at the Tarajal border crossing.

Ceuta is one of two Spanish enclaves in North Africa, along with Melilla. These territories have a special status and are part of Spain, but are located off the coast of Morocco, which is why they regularly become some of the main routes for migrants trying to reach the European Union.