LISBON, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese government said on Friday it is following the migration crisis in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta "with great concern" and reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous border control as a cornerstone of the Schengen area's integrity.
In a statement published by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's office, the government expressed condolences for the lives lost in the crisis and said it has been kept informed by the Spanish government since the beginning of the crisis.
"The Portuguese government reaffirms that the integrity of the Schengen system depends on rigorous border controls and a determined fight against all forms of illegal immigration," the statement read.
The Portugese authorities said it remains in contacts with both the Spanish and Moroccan governments, with Portuguese security forces, including the GNR gendarmerie and the Maritime Police, coordinating with their Spanish counterparts.
It said Spain has given assurances that, in close coordination with Moroccan authorities, it will reverse the flow of thousands of migrants that has intensified over recent weeks and particularly over the past two days. ■