One on One | Interview with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares

Summary

Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Álvarez, discusses the strong and traditional relationship between Spain and Turkey, emphasizing shared values and mutual concerns over regional issues such as the situations in Ukraine and Gaza. Spain advocates for an independent Palestinian state and a ceasefire, and has called for an International Peace Conference. The Minister also highlights Spain's active role on the international stage, engaging in dialogue from Washington to Beijing, and its commitment to upholding United Nations principles, especially in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression.

Takeaways

• 🤝 Spain and Turkey have a strong and traditional relationship, being Mediterranean countries and NATO allies.
• 💬 Spain's foreign minister, Jose Manuel Alvarez, emphasizes the importance of political dialogue and a common vision on regional issues like Ukraine and Gaza.
• 📈 There are around 700 Spanish enterprises operating in various sectors in Turkey, highlighting the economic ties between the two nations.
• 🌐 Spain is actively engaged in international diplomacy, maintaining dialogues with major global powers such as the United States and China.
• 🕊️ Spain advocates for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and supports an International Peace Conference to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• 🏛️ The Spanish position envisions a unified Palestinian state comprising the West Bank and Gaza, with Jerusalem as its capital.
• 🛑 Spain upholds the principles of the United Nations Charter, advocating for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the abolition of war as a dispute resolution.
• 🤝 Spain commends Turkey's role in facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine and is committed to continued efforts for peace.
• 🇺🇦 Spain is a staunch supporter of Ukraine, providing military aid, humanitarian assistance, and advocating for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• 🔍 Spain, along with other European nations, is prepared to increase its support for Ukraine, including military supplies, but prefers the United States to remain engaged for Euro-Atlantic security.
• 🎖️ Jose Manuel Alvarez is particularly proud of Spain's response to the Russian aggression towards Ukraine, demonstrating solidarity and upholding UN principles.

Q & A

What is Spain's stance on the situation in Gaza?

Spain has been outspoken about the situation in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and supporting an independent Palestinian State. It has shown unwavering support for Ukraine and is actively engaged in discussions on regional issues, including the situation in Gaza.

How would Spain's Foreign Minister describe the relationship between Spain and Turkey?

Spain's Foreign Minister describes the relationship as very good and traditional, sharing values and a common view of their neighborhood. Both countries are NATO allies and have a strong voice in regional matters such as Ukraine and Gaza.

What are some areas of cooperation between Spain and Turkey?

Areas of cooperation include the presence of almost 700 Spanish enterprises in Turkey across various sectors like banking, automobile, textile, and tourism. There is also a cultural exchange, with possibilities for language learning and better understanding of each other's culture.

How does Spain's Foreign Minister view Spain's current standing on the international stage?

Spain's Foreign Minister believes that Spain has a strong voice internationally, engaging in dialogue from Washington to Beijing. Spain has successfully held the EU presidency and hosted a crucial NATO Summit, demonstrating its role as a reliable partner ready to work with allies to solve global issues.

What is Spain's position on achieving peace in the Middle East?

Spain believes that peace in the Middle East is possible and necessary, advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an international peace conference. Spain supports a viable Palestinian state with the West Bank and Gaza under a single Palestinian Authority, with Jerusalem as the capital, and normalized relations between Arab countries and Israel.

Does Spain have a timetable for the proposed peace conference?

There is no specific timetable yet, as the first step is to achieve silence in the weapons and an end to the hostilities in Gaza.

What does Spain seek in terms of a peaceful solution for Ukraine?

Spain seeks a peace that respects the United Nations Charters, upholds the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and ensures that unjust war does not end with unjust peace. Spain supports Ukraine's efforts to host a peace conference and calls for Russia to engage in peace talks.

How does Spain view Turkey's role in facilitating peace talks between Ukraine and Russia?

Spain commends Turkey's role in bringing Russia and Ukraine to the same table to facilitate ceasefire agreements. Spain is committed to continuing efforts to bring peace to the region.

What are Spain's reasons for being a staunch supporter of Ukraine?

Spain supports Ukraine because it upholds the principles of the United Nations Charter, including equal sovereignty of states, the abolition of war as a means of settling disputes, and territorial integrity. Spain also views the war as a matter of European Atlantic security.

Is there a possibility of the European Union taking over the role of supplying weapons to Ukraine?

While it's important for the EU to take a step forward and aid Ukraine, which includes providing ammunition and military equipment, Spain's Foreign Minister does not want to see the United States disengage from the issue, as it is a matter of European Atlantic security.

What are some of Spain's Foreign Minister's best memories from representing Spain internationally?

Two significant memories for Spain's Foreign Minister include the repatriation operation during the fall of Kabul airport and the call informing him of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, hosting a NATO Summit and presiding over the EU are among his proudest moments.

What is Spain's Foreign Minister most proud of in his role so far?

Spain's Foreign Minister is most proud of the collective response to the Russian aggression, the solidarity shown by the 27 European countries in supporting Ukraine, and upholding the United Nations principles in a time of unexpected crisis.