Palestinian, Israeli peoples have equal rights for peaceful future: Top Spanish diplomat

By Sumeyye Dilara Dincer, Gokhan Celiker, and Can Efesoy

Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said that both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples have an equal right to a peaceful and secure future.

In an article "Spain as an Actor for Dialogue, Understanding, and Peace," published on Tuesday by Politica Exterior magazine, Albares said that Spain has an active and leading position in the international arena, highlighting its importance as an actor in Europe and in the international architecture.

Emphasizing peace as the first element to consider in Spain's international activities, Albares said peace must be achieved in the Middle East.

Albares voiced support for Spain's endorsement of the European consensus for the implementation of a two-state solution that will ensure peace, expressing the need for proactive diplomacy that supports active, forward-thinking, economic, political, and cultural initiatives.

Addressing Israel's attacks on Palestine, Albares stated that they do not condone the attack on Israel last Oct. 7 by Palestinian group Hamas, and argued that Hamas does not represent the legitimate Palestinian government.

Pointing to the need to protect the civilian population and ensure access to basic necessities during Israel's attacks on Gaza, Albares said they have tripled their cooperation with Palestine.

"For this reason, we ask for a humanitarian cease-fire and, for this reason, we have proposed a peace conference," Albares said.

- 'Determined to support Ukraine as long as necessary'

On the Russia-Ukraine war, Albares stressed the importance of defending and actively building peace for stability, development, progress, and freedom.

"We want peace for Ukraine. We are determined to support Ukraine as long as necessary," he said.

He added: "Our position has been clear from day one: the aggression against Ukraine represents an attack on the most essential principles of the UN Charter, on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a sovereign state. Spain is, and will continue to be, as long as necessary, where all democracies should be: with the defense of the international order and the sovereignty of Ukraine, united with our partners and allies in the EU and NATO."

- Desire for strong, united Europe

In his article, stressing the importance of multilateralism during a time of rising global challenges, Albares said Spain needs to take action to "preserve and strengthen the multilateral order."

"Global challenges are multiplying and multilateralism is the answer. If problems transcend borders, so must the response to those problems," he said.

Albares said: "The security of the Spanish people in all its aspects is always a priority of our foreign policy, and our membership in NATO is its main guarantee. Spain's commitment to the defense of the eastern flank has been demonstrated with the double deployment of the Reinforced Forward Presence in Latvia, the Baltic Air Police and the Reinforced Air Police in Romania and Bulgaria. But we cannot neglect the southern flank."

On the EU's enlargement policy, Albares argued Europe would be more effective if it stands united and added: "We have ahead of us the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, the new candidate status of Georgia and the agreement for the entry of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area, an extraordinary culmination of our presidency. They are processes that require effort, determination and commitment but they are worth it, since they are steps towards an EU that is increasingly stronger, more united and more necessary."

- Relations with Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia countries

Albares also noted in the article that the Gaza crisis carries destabilizing potential for Mediterranean countries, emphasizing the need to seek a response to this crisis.

Highlighting the African Union's key role in supporting political stability and economic development on the African continent, he also underscored that the course of events in the world largely depends on the Asian continent.

Albares stated that they need countries like China and India to overcome challenges such as climate change, health crises, migration, and international security, and they will continue to strengthen Spain's presence on the continent.

*Writing by Emre Basaran