The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, met his British counterpart, Yvette Cooper, in London today to further deepen the new phase opened after the signing on 3 September of the new Bilateral Strategic Framework that marks the relationship between the two countries. At the Carton Gardens meeting, ministers also discussed Britain's relations with the European Union and congratulated themselves about the agreement on Gibraltar, which they are working on for its rapid entry into force. They have also dealt with international conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The Bilateral Strategic Framework signed in September between President of the Government Pedro Sánchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer strengthens ties between the two countries and deepens collaboration and cooperation on a wide range of issues, structured in seven areas: sustainable growth, foreign and development policy, relations between the two societies, climate and energy policy, European security and defence, judicial cooperation and migration, and transport.
Strong links
After the signing of this agreement, said Albares, “we are on the right track to strengthen the alliance between Spain and the United Kingdom, based on the strong and dynamic links between our societies and economies. In an increasingly challenging world, it is crucial that Spain, the European Union and the United Kingdom work together to make our countries fairer, safer and more prosperous”.
The minister also confirmed that the various teams are already in contact “to explore priority areas of cooperation, as well as a viable and effective follow-up mechanism”. Spain hopes that the new framework will be implemented quickly and that progress on all files will be balanced on both sides.
Relations with the European Union
During the meeting, ministers also reviewed the EU agenda and the conclusions of the UK-European Union Summit held on 19 May, at which the willingness to relaunch relations after Brexit was noted.
Spain welcomes the opening of a new chapter in the United Kingdom's relations with the European Union and, although much work remains to be done to conclude the negotiations, it considers the agreements reached in May to be a good starting point for building the close partnership that would be desirable.
International conflicts
Regarding Ukraine, both ministers shared their concern about the serious situation on the ground and Russia's continued shelling of critical civilian infrastructure, as well as the need to further strengthen Ukraine by providing it with the necessary security guarantees.
On Gaza, Albares recalled the uncertainty that remains around the next steps to be taken after the ceasefire and for the implementation of the two-State solution as the only possible way to achieve a just and lasting peace, as well as the need to include the Palestinian Authority in all peace negotiations.
For images of the event, click here.
—NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION—