The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, has in recent days received visits from his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt, giving a boost to Spanish diplomatic efforts in the region. The minister conveyed his congratulations to his counterparts on the positions of restraint their countries have maintained in the context of the conflict, as well as on their role as mediators amidst escalating hostilities.
The fact that three countries—Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait—have come to Spain at a time of high regional instability demonstrates the close relationship the Government maintains with its partners in the Middle East. A close relationship, focused on promoting peace, stability and respect for the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, and one which currently involves a firm commitment to de-escalation, restraint and dialogue.
These visits also serve as an example of the extraordinary progress made in Spain’s bilateral relations with the Arab world, at a time when cooperation is intensifying in fields as diverse as security, defence, trade, investment, transport, culture and multilateral affairs.
The signing of the agreement to establish a Strategic Partnership Council with Saudi Arabia marks a milestone in bilateral relations that are at their strongest, and lays the foundations for realising their full potential.
The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs’ first bilateral visit has enabled the working agenda for the bilateral strategic partnership in 2026 to be defined, with an agreement to continue the programme of high-level exchange visits and to work towards the forthcoming signing of three agreements, notably a trilateral cooperation agreement aimed at developing joint initiatives for the benefit of third countries, especially in regions of common interest and, in particular, on the African continent. This agreement will implement a commitment included in the Alliance for Sustainable Development 2025-2030.
During his meeting with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Minister Albares also expressed his satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relationship between the two countries, announcing their shared aim of elevating it to a strategic level.
Albares highlighted how these meetings represent a significant step forward in a relationship of friendship that enables the achievement of joint objectives in the Middle East, which can be none other than lasting peace and stability in the region, underpinned by the implementation of the two-State solution – the only stable solution to end the conflict and ensure peace, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis, for the benefit of the entire region.
-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-