General Eduardo Mendes-Ferrão visited Málaga and Ceuta to consolidate bilateral military cooperation. The agenda included institutional meetings and a summer course at the University of Málaga.
The military cooperation between Spain and Portugal has taken a further step with the official visit of the Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Army, General Eduardo Manuel Braga da Cruz Mendes-Ferrão, to Málaga and Ceuta. The trip, which took place from July 15 to 19, was organised by the Chief of Staff of the Spanish Army, General Amador Enseñat y Berea, and served to reinforce one of the strongest bilateral relationships in Europe.
An institutional gesture in Málaga
One of the first events took place at the City Hall of Málaga, where both military leaders were received by the mayor, Francisco de la Torre. During the meeting, the close connection between the Army and the city of Málaga was highlighted, especially with La Legión, whose presence is part of the social identity of the province. For the people of Málaga, such visits reinforce the historical bond between the city and the Armed Forces.
The visit continued in Ceuta, where the delegations were received at the General Command and held meetings with the Government Delegate, Miguel Ángel Pérez Triano, and the President of the Autonomous City, Juan Jesús Vivas. General Mendes-Ferrão signed the city's Book of Honour, and the historical legacy that unites Portugal and Ceuta was emphasised.
Historical symbolism and shared legacy
The day in Ceuta was filled with symbolism. The head of the Portuguese Army laid a floral offering before Our Lady of Africa, an image donated in 1415 by Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in Portuguese maritime expansion. Subsequently, both delegations visited the barracks of El Hacho and Foso Almina, as well as the Royal Walls of Ceuta.
The choice of Ceuta was not coincidental. The city retains a deep Portuguese imprint since its conquest in 1415. Even after Portuguese independence in 1640, Ceuta chose to remain under Spanish sovereignty, an episode that reflects a shared history that still exists in symbols such as the city's coat of arms, similar to the Portuguese one, and the popular devotion to Saint Anthony of Lisbon.
Cooperation within NATO and European defence
Beyond the historical component, the visit served to reaffirm the excellent relationship between both armies in the context of European defence and NATO. Spain and Portugal collaborate in multinational exercises, personnel exchanges, training of officers and non-commissioned officers, unit twinning, and participation in international missions. This cooperation is key to regional security and for the citizens of Málaga, who see these alliances as a guarantee of stability.
One of the central moments of the programme was the participation of both military leaders in the summer course at the University of Málaga, titled “Army and Society: the Strength of Values”. This established forum analyses the role of the Armed Forces in contemporary society and brings the institution closer to citizens.
During his speech, General Amador Enseñat explained how the Spanish Armed Forces have evolved to become an essential instrument of the State's foreign action, supported by national legislation and international commitments. For his part, General Mendes-Ferrão reviewed the more than nine centuries of shared military history.
In short, this visit has not only strengthened military ties between Spain and Portugal but has also placed Málaga at the centre of bilateral cooperation, consolidating its role as a venue for high-level institutional meetings.
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