Albares urges the EU to strengthen ties with the Mediterranean

albares participated in the ministerial meeting of the South Neighborhood, a meeting that had not been held for three years and which preceded the Foreign Affairs CouncilDuring the meeting, the Spanish minister defended the inclusion of political dialogue as a "central axis" in the Pact for the Summer, a new instrument designed to strengthen the EU's programs and lines of action with its Mediterranean partners. The Spanish Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of the Union for the Mediterranean, based in Barcelona, in achieving these objectives, promoting a partnership of equals that addresses common interests.

The second part of the ministerial meeting, structured as a working dinner, focused on the current geopolitical situation in the region. Albares reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian issue, insisting that the implementation of the two-state solution is "the only possible basis for peace and stability." In this context, the Spanish minister highlighted Spain's decision to recognize the State of Palestine and urged more countries to follow suit.

albares defends that the Pact for the Mediterranean Include political dialogue as a "central axis" for building an area of "shared security and prosperity between the EU and the Mediterranean"

The meeting was attended by the High Representative, Kaja kallas; the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica; the Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, Nasser Kamel; as well as foreign ministers from the EU and Mediterranean countries.

On the sidelines of this meeting, Albares held several bilateral meetings. He highlighted his meeting with Maros Sefcovic, Trade Commissioner of the European Commission, whom he supported in the tariff negotiations with the United States and reminded him of the importance of unity in defending European interests. They also discussed the next steps toward the entry into force of the Gibraltar agreement.

In addition, the Spanish minister met with his Moroccan counterparts, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and IsraelWith all of them, he addressed the complex geopolitical situation in the region, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, access to humanitarian aid, the unconditional release of the hostages, and respect for international law and international humanitarian law.