The two ministers acknowledged the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two countries, structured through annual bilateral summits, the Spanish-Portuguese Parliamentary Forum and the follow-up meetings of the Valencia Treaty on Cross-Border Cooperation.
Albares and Rangel have agreed to begin preparations for the XXXV Bilateral Summit, to be held in October, as well as to identify projects of mutual interest on which to move forward. These include the bridge over the Sever river between Cedillo (Cáceres) and Nisa (Alentejo); high-speed rail connections; and road connections. There are also two important energy interconnection projects: the electricity connection between Fontefría, in Ourense, and Vila Fría, in northern Portugal; and the connection of the Iberian Market with the rest of the European Union through France.
At the meeting, the two ministers discussed current issues. With regard to the Middle East, Albares and Rangel agree on the need to achieve an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and the opening of new border crossings to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation has asked the Portuguese Government to renew its support to increase the international consensus on the convening of the international peace conference that will allow progress to be made in the implementation of the two-State solution. The Spanish initiative already has the support of more than 80 States, including the 27 from the European Union, the League of Arab States, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Albares and Rangel also agree on the need to maintain support for Ukraine and President Zelensky's peace formula in the face of Russian aggression. The two ministers note with concern the increase in Russian interference in Africa, resulting in more instability in countries such as Mozambique, where Portugal is leading the European military assistance mission, and the Sahel, where new formulas for security cooperation need to be sought.
Cultural relations
The Spanish and Portuguese foreign ministers took advantage of the meeting to analyse cooperation in the cultural sphere. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, the Council of Ministers declassified three telegrams from 1974 that document the Franco regime's reaction to the peaceful end of the dictatorship in the neighbouring country.
Spain and Portugal are also preparing to host the 2030 World Cup, which will have three venues: Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
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