The Minister for Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, brought to a close on Thursday in Vitoria-Gasteiz the conference ‘World Peace as a Challenge at the Local Level Too’, organised by Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council. The conference brought together institutional representatives, experts and members of civil society to reflect on how global challenges relating to peace and security also affect cities and local institutions.
In his speech, part of which was delivered in Basque, Albares reflected on the challenges facing peace in an international context marked by protracted conflicts. The minister warned that these challenges have a direct impact on our societies and democracies. “Peace, like freedom, is indivisible. Violence in Ukraine, the Middle East or Sudan also threatens our freedom, challenges our values and puts strain on our society,” he said.
Against this backdrop, Albares has advocated a foreign policy based on cooperation, dialogue and agreements as the best response to global challenges. He has also emphasised the importance of multilateralism, human rights and democratic institutions as fundamental pillars for preserving peace and stability.
The minister also highlighted the role of the European Union as the greatest project for peace and democracy in recent history, and emphasised the need to continue deepening European integration in order to tackle current threats and strengthen the Union’s collective capabilities.
-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-