The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, today summoned the ambassadors from Latin America and the Caribbean accredited in Spain and Ibero-American institutions after Spain was chosen to host the Ibero-American Summit in 2026. Albares was grateful for the trust placed in the Spanish Government, which is eager to continue working and making progress in this forum for dialogue, political consultation and cooperation, unique in the world due to its nature and scope.
During the meeting held today in Madrid, Albares stressed that the last Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union put the region at the centre of the European agenda, evidenced by the success of the EU-CELAC Summit held in July last year, during which a Roadmap, the Digital Alliance and the Global Gateway Investment Agenda were adopted.
The fundamental objective for the Summit is to begin a new stage of reaffirmation for the system, which jointly identifies the priority areas for action from the member States, in the context of an agenda defined by issues of common interest.
Accordingly, the objective of the Summit is to approve the Four-Year Ibero-American Cooperation Action Plan 2026-2029, which will further enhance its profile. Ibero-American cooperation is the cornerstone of this system, which translates the mandates of the Heads of State and Government into concrete initiatives, with a direct and positive impact on Ibero-American citizens.
Close relations
During the meeting, the minister also highlighted Spain's close relations with Latin American and Caribbean nations, making it possible to develop strong political, economic, social, cultural, linguistic and human ties between our countries. Therefore, he noted the importance of continuing to promote the shared principles and values of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and the defence of a rules-based international order with the United Nations at the centre.
During his speech, the minister stated that the Spanish language, shared by most Ibero-American and Caribbean countries, is a strong global language, so he invited the ambassadors in attendance to agree on actions in various fields such as multilateral diplomacy, the economy, science and technology, and the fight against disinformation in Spanish.
NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION