The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, took part in the Munich Security Conference on Friday, 13 February, to defend the values of democracy and a strong and sovereign Europe.
The minister insisted that, given the deterioration of security in Europe and the world, Europeans must assume their responsibility, something that Spain shares and which is why it advocates for a strong Europe. The common defence of the European Union through a European army is vital for our stability and prosperity.
Albares also met with his Ukrainian counterpart, to whom he conveyed Spain's commitment to peace in Ukraine. Spain will continue to support Ukraine in its right to defend itself, with a new package of more than €1 billion last year. It will also provide humanitarian aid, energy equipment and support for EU measures to increase pressure on Russia.
Challenges for the reconstruction of Gaza
The minister also participated in a panel focused on the reconstruction of Gaza. In his speech, he presented Spain's vision on the steps to be taken for the successful implementation of the United States Peace Plan, a valid framework for achieving the two-State solution, which Spain has always defended.
Albares stressed that a stable cessation of hostilities requires removing existing restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid, establishing an International Stabilisation Force under the umbrella of the United Nations, and involving the Palestinian Authority. The latter is key to ensuring security in the region and necessary in any governing structure for Gaza. The minister pointed out that ‘Spain will not support separate and parallel authorities or governments in Gaza and the West Bank’.
The minister also reiterated Spain's support for Egypt's initiative to hold an international conference. This proposal makes sense in a context where there are multiple visions for the reconstruction of Gaza and a need to reconcile them in order to move towards peace.
Albares held various bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Denmark and Qatar, and also met with the CEOs of companies such as AMP Terminals, Schwarz Group, Airbus and Qualcomm Technology. In addition, the minister also met with the Secretary General of Amnesty International and the Deputy Spokesperson for the SPD in the Bundestag.
The minister took advantage of his attendance at the Munich Security Conference to meet with Spanish and international media outlets.
To see images of the event, click
here.