Mariano Rajoy reiterates that terrorism is a global problem that must be tackled on a joint basis

Elysée Palace, Paris (France)

The President of the Government took part in Paris in two meetings, called by the French President, Emmanuel Macrón, at which they addressed both the fight against illegal migration and the fight against terrorism.

During his appearance before the media, together with the leaders of Germany, France, Italy, Chad, Niger and Libya, and the High Representative for Foreign Policy of the European Union, Mariano Rajoy underlined that illegal immigration and terrorism are the two main concerns of European citizens.

In relation to the fight against terrorism, Mariano Rajoy committed to "close collaboration" between the law enforcement agencies of different countries and to international cooperation. On this point, he highlighted the collaboration provided to Spain by France and Morocco.

The President of the Government recalled that the Home Affairs Ministers of G-6, comprised of Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom, will meet up shortly in our country. Mariano Rajoy announced that he will propose at that time a "meeting of the intelligence and counter-terrorism chiefs of European countries in the near future" to tackle the problem of terrorism and combat its financing. He also highlighted the need to combat radicalisation on the Internet and in other areas.

Mariano Rajoy also recalled that Spain is promoting a European Charter of Victims' Rights. In his opinion, the drafting of an international statute on the victims of terrorism "sends out a message of a strong commitment to the principles of memory, dignity and justice".

Illegal migration

The President of the Government pointed out that the goals in the fight against illegal immigration are very clear: to avoid people losing their lives, to wipe out the gangs trafficking people and supporting terrorism, to generate development, to cooperate in controlling borders and coasts, and to develop capabilities. In this regard, he highlighted that some actions undertaken by certain European countries are already in place.

The President of the Government also pointed out that a task force will be set up to monitor the measures adopted on the matter of migration in Europe. He also announced that, at the end of October or beginning of November, a meeting will be held in Madrid, with a similar format to Monday's meeting in Paris, to prepare for the summit between the European Union and Africa that will take place in the Ivory Coast on 29 and 30 November.

Mariano Rajoy began his speech by expressing his gratitude for the solidarity shown with Spain following the attacks in Barcelona, which affected citizens of 38 nationalities.

Non official translation