The Minister for Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, met on Thursday 23 July with members of the Council of Arab Ambassadors resident in Madrid, following concerns raised by Mayor Almeida’s announcement regarding the eviction of Casa Árabe from the premises where it has been based for the past 20 years.
Minister Albares reiterated that he is reaching out to Madrid City Council to urge it to reconsider this decision and is awaiting the Mayor’s response to the letter sent requesting a meeting to address the current situation. Madrid City Council has been a member of the Governing Council and has always participated in all decisions regarding the administration and management of Casa Árabe that have been taken collectively by that Governing Council. Consequently, the City Council has been involved throughout all these years in its oversight and monitoring, signing its minutes, without ever having questioned the use of the Aguirre Schools over the past 20 years.
Support for the institution
During the meeting, Minister Albares shared with the Arab ambassadors his surprise at a decision announced without prior dialogue or notice to the consortium members, at a time when Spain enjoys the best relations with Arab countries in its history. This decision has caused deep unease amongst participants and students involved in Casa Árabe’s activities, as well as amongst the people of Madrid. Casa Árabe is a centre open to the city, whose aim is to bring cultures closer together and promote dialogue and cultural exchange.
Earlier this week, the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Madrid sent a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation in which it expressed its support for the work of Casa Árabe and its preference for the centre to remain at its current premises, praising the work carried out by the Ministry in recent years. Furthermore, students of Arabic at the institution have requested a meeting with representatives from the Spanish MFA to explore ways of ensuring the continuity of their courses and will meet with the Minister next Tuesday.
The work of Casa Árabe
The Minister took the opportunity to highlight the commendable efficiency with which Casa Árabe’s management team operates, in line with the decisions of the Governing Council to improve its management and administration.
Furthermore, all those present agreed that Casa Árabe is an irreplaceable asset for promoting Spain’s image in the Arab world and an institution that strengthens Spain’s international relations with the countries of the region.
The Spanish MFA reiterates its support for the work of Casa Árabe, an institution dedicated to public diplomacy with the Arab world with a 20-year track record and offices in Madrid and Córdoba, during which time its indispensable role in Spain’s foreign policy has been highlighted; it offers the Madrid City Council a sincere dialogue to reach a solution.
The Spanish MFA points out that the image and international standing of Spain’s capital would be compromised were this decision to be implemented.
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