Spain and Portugal strengthen their bilateral relationship with a broad common agenda

First official meeting since the formation of the new Portuguese government

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Spain, José Manuel Albares, and Portugal, Paulo Rangel, met in Madrid to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries.

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Albares and Rangel agreed on the excellent state of bilateral relations, which are structured through annual bilateral summits, the Spanish-Portuguese Parliamentary Forum and follow-up meetings Valencia Treaty of Cross-Border Cooperation.

 

The ministers agreed to begin the preparation of the XXXV bilateral summit, which will be held in October of this year. Likewise, they identified projects of mutual interest in which to advance, such as the construction of a bridge over the river Sever across Cedillo (Cáceres) and Nisa (Alentejo), the development of high-speed rail connections and the improvement of road connections.

 

In energy matters, two projects of great importance stood out: the electrical connection between Fontefría (Ourense) and Vila Fría (north of Portugal) and the connection of the Iberian Market with the rest of the European Union through France.

 

The heads of Spanish and Portuguese diplomacy took advantage of the occasion to analyze various current international issues. In relation to the conflict in the Middle East, both expressed their deep concern about the situation in the Gaza Strip and they agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the hostages and the opening of new border crossings to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid.

 

Albares requested the support of Portugal to promote an international consensus around the convening of an international peace conference that would allow progress in the implementation of the two-state solution. The Spanish initiative already has the support of more than 80 countries, including the 27 of the European Union, the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

 

The meeting also served to address cooperation in cultural matters. Within the framework of 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, the Spanish Council of Ministers declassified 3 telegrams from 1974 that reflect the reaction of the regime of Franco at the peaceful end of the dictatorship in Portugal.

 

Spain and Portugal are jointly preparing the celebration of the 2030 Soccer World Cup, which will take place in both countries, together with Morocco. The sporting event represents a great opportunity to further strengthen the bilateral relationship and promote cooperation in various areas.