The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, chaired a meeting on Sunday with Spain's ambassadors and chargés d'affaires in Iran, Israel, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Oman, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia to analyse developments in the Middle East and coordinate Spain's consular and diplomatic response.
Upon learning of the bombings, the Ministry activated its crisis unit, which is continuously monitoring events and coordinating assistance to the Spanish community throughout the region, in close collaboration with the embassies and consulates in the Middle East.
Rapid response from overseas staff
At the meeting, Albares expressed his concern for the personal situation of the ambassadors and all embassy staff, whom he thanked for their professionalism and rapid response to events in very difficult circumstances.
The minister gave direct instructions to the ambassadors to continue monitoring the Spanish community, strengthening coordination with the crisis unit in Madrid.
Crisis unit for consular support
Since its activation, the Ministry's crisis unit has been in constant contact with Spanish embassies and consulates in the affected countries, ensuring the coordination of assistance protocols and the updating of information for citizens. The Ministry continues to provide information through its official channels and the social media accounts of the embassies in the region, which remain fully operational, answering calls on the designated telephone numbers and email addresses, and in constant contact with the Spanish community.
The consular emergency unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation is operating a 24-hour service on +34 910 00 12 49.
Diplomatic contacts with the region
Albares has addressed the situation with the countries in the region and has held talks with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt, as well as with the Foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, to whom he has conveyed Spain's support for their sovereignty and territorial integrity. He has also spoken with his counterpart in Azerbaijan to analyse the situation regarding the border with Iran.
‘The attacks must stop. Spain demands respect for international law, de-escalation and dialogue,’ stressed the minister, who also reaffirmed Spain's firm commitment to regional stability and peace, as well as solidarity and support for those under attack. ‘Only through dialogue and diplomacy will stability and peace come to the Middle East,’ he added.
The minister is monitoring developments in the conflict with the Foreign Ministry's crisis cabinet and is in constant contact with the Prime Minister, his European and regional counterparts and other European leaders. This afternoon, Albares will participate via videoconference in the extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, with the aim of coordinating with European partners the analysis of the situation and the necessary consular and diplomatic support measures.