The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, spoke today with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, thanking him for his country’s mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Middle East and expressing Spain’s support.
Albares highlighted the need to ensure regional stability and an end to indiscriminate bombing: “Lebanon is a sovereign country with a Government that is doing everything possible to guarantee the security and territorial integrity of all, including the security of the people of Israel.” Spain is working to ensure that Lebanon is included in the ceasefire, that attacks on Middle Eastern countries cease, that free passage through the Strait of Hormuz is guaranteed, and that the war comes to an end.
Throughout the day, the minister also had the opportunity to speak with his counterparts from Lebanon, to whom he conveyed his support for the country’s sovereignty, his condemnation of the attacks by both Hezbollah and Israel, and his backing for UNIFIL; the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, with whom he discussed the ceasefire as an opportunity for peace in the Middle East; and his counterparts from Bahrain and Kuwait, with whom he discussed the importance of the Strait of Hormuz returning to normal and Spain’s support for mediation towards a definitive ceasefire. The Minister also had the opportunity to discuss the ceasefire and the situation in the region with his counterpart from Oman.
Spain supports the crucial work of the mediators. Diplomacy, negotiation and international law are the only path to the lasting peace that the people of the Middle East deserve. All parties must demonstrate responsibility and commitment to ceasing attacks and de-escalation, which Spain will continue to support. The ceasefire must be extended to Lebanon, within the framework of Security Council resolution 1701, to which Spain also reaffirms its firm commitment.
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