The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, held a meeting today, March 3, with the ambassadors of the Asian countries accredited in Spain, at our headquarters in Barcelona.
During the meeting with the Asian ambassadors, to discuss the main challenges, synergies and cooperation options between Spain and their countries, Albares has conveyed to them the desire and intention of the Spanish Government “to work even harder for the growth of our bilateral ties with Asian countries,” y has announced the reinforcement of the economic, political and cultural presence of Spain in the region, as witnessed by the upcoming opening of a Consulate General in Bangalore (India).
To do this, it has offered them the full collaboration of Casa Asia and the Council Foundations Spain-China, Spain-Japan, Spain-India and Spain-Australia, as the most important tools of public diplomacy to promote the encounter between the societies of both regions.
“Spain is aware that the Asia-Pacific is a crucial geopolitical region, a key area for security and economic growth in the present and in the future,” has pointed out the minister, who added that “As part of the EU, we want the region to be an area where opportunities and challenges are resolved through inclusive cooperation.”
During the meeting, Albares has reviewed the regional and international agenda, with special emphasis on the conflict in the Middle East and in Russia's aggression against Ukraine, calling for their contributions to the efforts of Paz from President Zelensky.
In addition, the minister Albares has conveyed to them Spain's interest in strengthening ties “from the grassroots, where the most lasting ties are built, through more intense exchanges between people, including cultural cooperation and the promotion of Spanish, a truly global language, throughout the region.” In this context, the minister Albares has also announced the upcoming opening of two Cervantes Institutes in Seoul and Shanghai.
