The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, today received the Star of Merit of the Order of the State of Palestine from the Palestinian Embassy, presented on behalf of President Abbas. This recognition is intended to highlight not only the minister's exemplary commitment to the Palestinian people, but also that of Spain, its Government and Spanish society.
During his speech, the minister emphasised the values that characterise the relationship between Spain and Palestine, such as mutual respect, solidarity and fraternity, pointing out that Spain will always stand by the Palestinian people.
"This commitment stems from deep convictions based on the best values of humanity: the certainty that peace is the primary objective of any Government, that security is an essential right, that defending life and freedom is a challenge for all of us as human beings, and that this very idea of humanity, which is being questioned today, is something worth defending because nothing, no future, no community, no hope can be built on violence and pain that must cease," said the minister.
Recognition of Palestine
Albares recalled that Spain was one of the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine in May 2024. This was a courageous step, consistent with Spain's principles of contributing to peace and the resolution of a crisis which, as the minister pointed out, can only have a just political solution. Albares also emphasised Spain's leadership in actively promoting the recognition of the Palestinian State with initiatives such as the proposal to hold an International Peace Conference.
Our country has also been among the first to adopt decisive national measures to end the war, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and sanction those who undermine the two-State solution. ‘Spain will continue to defend the right of Palestinians to be masters of their own destiny, and to define it through the active participation of the Palestinian Authority in all transitional governance and security mechanisms,’ Albares said.
The minister added that the only credible political solution is the two-State solution: ‘No other alternative is viable. Spain will continue to advocate for the recognition of a unified Palestinian State, including Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.’
Financial and humanitarian support
The minister also pointed out that Spain will maintain its financial support, reflected in the €50 million committed in 2025 through the European Union's PEGASE, reinforcing the Emergency Coalition for Palestine that it created with Saudi Arabia, Norway and France.
Albares also stressed that Spanish humanitarian support will not waver in the face of the catastrophe and demanded that Israel comply with its international obligations and guarantee the protection of the civilian population.
For images of the event, click here
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