Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain

11/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/20/2024 10:48

Albares and Kallas analyse EU priorities in this new political era

PRESS RELEASE 071

Albares and Kallas analyse EU priorities in this new political era

​• The escalation of the war against Ukraine, the Middle East conflict and relations with the new US administration were the main topics of the meeting​

Today

​The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, today received the candidate for High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, at the Palace of Viana. The war against Ukraine, the Middle East conflict and the change of Government in the United States were some of the issues discussed in the meeting.

Albares and Kallas reviewed the international agenda and paid special attention to the escalation of the invasion war against Ukraine, which has now been going on for more than 1,000 days, and the situation in the Middle East.

Both agreed on the need to join forces to guarantee European defence and security, as confirmed in the commitment ratified on Monday in Warsaw during the G5EU+ meeting, which brings together the five largest EU countries (Spain, Germany, France, Italy and Poland) plus the United Kingdom, which the future High Representative also attended.

Spain's vision

In this first encounter, Albares also wanted to lay out Spain's vision of the EU's Foreign and Security Policy, with particular emphasis on strategic regions for the Union and for our country, such as Latin America, which is key not only because of historical ties and shared values, but also due to its potential in the energy and digital transition. He also highlighted Spain's relevant role in the southern neighbourhood and in Africa, where we are seeking to strengthen relations through the new Africa Strategy, which will be unveiled soon.

The minister also reminded Kallas that she could count on Spain as a reliable, pro-European and cooperative Member State, with a global foreign policy featuring its own, clear identity: the defence of United Nations peace, of democracy and of multilateralism.

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