I welcome to Athens today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, my dear friend, José Manuel Albares Bueno.
Honorable Minister, although we meet regularly at the EU Foreign Affairs Councils and the Meetings of NATO Foreign Ministers, it is truly a special pleasure and honor to welcome you today at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Spain and Greece share a parallel historical path. Both countries were freed from dictatorships around the same period and consciously chose liberal democracy and the European path.
As Mediterranean countries of the European South, we share a common understanding of the risks faced by Europe and our broader neighborhood. Our foreign policy is founded on the respect for International Law and the primacy of the Rule of Law.
With these principles as our compass, we stand together in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the war in Ukraine and the multiple challenges in our neighboring Africa. Spain supported the Greek initiative during our Presidency of the UN Security Council last month, namely the joint stakeout regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflict and I would like to thank the Minister for this. The stakeout, as an expression of universal humanitarianism, was delivered on behalf of 80 delegations. This joint stakeout indicates the value of international multilateralism at a time of multiple crises, when the fundamental values of International Humanitarian Law and the peaceful resolution of disputes are being undermined.
In the current context, the Minister and I agree that we need a Europe that is stronger than ever. An EU that addresses the new geopolitical reality and is larger, more competitive and strategically autonomous. A Europe based on genuine solidarity among member states and balanced development of all peoples.
With the Minister, we had the opportunity to review the full range of our bilateral relations. We agreed that, despite our excellent cooperation, there is great potential for improvement in areas such as trade, investment, and tourism. This was also confirmed by a business delegation that departed from Athens to Madrid a few days ago. Further synergies may also be developed in the energy sector, where Greece is becoming a regional hub and contributing significantly to regional and European energy diversification and resilience.
Two issues that concern us both within the EU and NATO, as well as in the MED9 and MED5 fora, where we both participate, are the climate crisis and irregular migration.
Regarding the climate crisis, preventive action and realistic sustainable development goals should be our guiding principles and their implementation should be effectively monitored.
With respect to irregular migration, Spain and Greece, as first-entry countries bear a disproportionate burden. We agreed to intensify our efforts to ensure that the effective management of migration flows remains a priority of the new European migration policy and to work together to promote legal pathways for human mobility.
Dear José Manuel, today was an excellent opportunity to exchange views on all aspects of our cooperation at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. I thank you for our productive discussion.
The famous Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca, ahead of his time, once wrote: “I know there is no straight road, no straight road in this world. Only a giant labyrinth of intersecting crossroads”.
The modern world generates interdependencies and shared challenges. For two countries with so many common traits, like ours, it is inevitable that our paths coincide. The more we advance in alignment, the more security and prosperity we shall achieve.
Greece and Spain move forward together.
Thank you.
June 3, 2025