Statement by President of the Government during ASEM Summit

Milan

Good afternoon. Thank you for coming here today.

Tomorrow, at the end of the session, I will give a press conference and answer any questions you may have on the various issues of interest to the Spanish public, whether or not they relate to issues here in Milan. Today I simply want to briefly assess the election of Spain as a member of the United Nations Security Council for the years 2015 and 2016, together with New Zealand.

I must say that this is excellent news, and shows the confidence of the international community in our country at this time. Today, the United Nations Security Council, as you are all aware, is a global hub where decisions are taken that affect international peace and security.

Spain was a member some years back, for two years, of the United Nations Security Council, and I believe that validating the trust now placed in us back then is something about which we can all feel genuinely proud and satisfied.

I would like to express my gratitude to all those people who have worked hard to this end for a long time now. It hasn't been easy. 193 countries vote in total. In each round, all 193 countries have voted and Spain was backed by 132 countries in the last round of voting.

As from now, as from 1 January, when we are sworn into our position of responsibility, we will always act in defence of the law, of order, of peace and of respect for the human rights of all citizens, and at the same time we will strive towards achieving greater national and international security, at both a national and an international level.

Thank you very much for your attention and, I repeat, tomorrow, we will call a conference to talk about all the issue being dealt with at today's meeting, which will continue tomorrow in Milan, and about other issues that you may be interested in

Thank you very much.