The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, today received the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, and advocated for mobilising the EU budget to strengthen European security.
During his meeting with the Latvian minister in Madrid, Albares acknowledged that the Nordic and Baltic model of resilience is an inspiration for all, and pointed to the need for a broad approach to European security that addresses all threats beyond strictly military dangers, and all sources of instability, including on the Southern Flank.
The Spanish minister believes that a solid European industrial base is essential, while stressing that this process must be gradual and with sufficient flexibility within an open strategic autonomy framework. In this respect, Albares told the Latvian minister that the measures proposed by the Commission are a good first step, but more are required to make progress in strengthening our security capabilities.
In this context, the minister reiterated Spain's commitment to the security of Latvia and the Baltic region, citing the deployment of a contingent of Spanish soldiers since 2017, with around 650 troops. This is Spain's largest deployment abroad within the NATO framework and makes it the largest European force in the mission.
This meeting took place within the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, in respect to which Albares told the Latvian minister that unity must be the guiding principle for our actions in the coming months, providing military and financial aid to Ukraine, strengthening sanctions against Russia and continuing our efforts to reach out to our global partners, so that Ukraine can face negotiations from a position of strength, the aim of which must be to achieve a just and sustainable peace that guarantees its sovereignty.
Bilateral relationship
Regarding the bilateral relationship, the two ministers discussed the Rail Baltica project for the construction of a high-speed European-gauge railway line through the three Baltic countries, with the participation of major Spanish companies. They also welcomed the fact that Latvia has included Spanish as a foreign language in formal education after the 2024 education reform, so that over 75 of Latvia's 600 schools now teach Spanish.
As a result of this excellent relationship, the two ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations that will enable deeper coordination in political, economic and cultural matters, as well as in the field of the European Union.
Albares also mentioned Latvia's participation in the International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, which he highlighted as a unique opportunity for the European Union to assert itself and demonstrate its leadership in the financing for development agenda.
For pictures of the event, click
here.