Arancha González Laya argued that the adaptation of the military scope of NATO must be complemented at a political level. "It is difficult, if not impossible, to support a sound and credible dissuasive position if this is not backed by a strong political union", she added. We must provide a renewed sense of Trans-Atlantic ties, said the minister, "based on an unconditional commitment to the principles and values of NATO". In this exercise, citizens and their concerns must be at the heart of the debate.
Arancha González Laya referred to the different current affairs, starting with the delicate situation with Russia. Although Russia's position on certain issues is a "permanent challenge" to the allies and their partners, the relationship with Russia must remain framed within a "dual channel approach", according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, for whom dialogue is the best option in those areas where common interests lie. In turn, in relation to the issue of disarmament, the allies must continue to defend an international rule-based system. For Arancha González Laya, the extension of the NEW START Treaty is crucial in this regard.
As regards the peace process in Afghanistan, Arancha González Laya feels it is fundamental for it to be headed up by the Afghan people, in an inclusive fashion, leading to an agreement that includes everyone, particularly the rights of women, children and ethnic minorities. The minister declared that Spain expects the right conditions to be achieved to make progress towards this transition.
At the second session of the OTAN Ministerial Meeting, focused on China, Minister González Laya mentioned the Asian giant as a source of "opportunities and challenges". Spain supports the efforts by NATO to determine the scope of the potential challenges posed by China's action at a global level and the potential impact on NATO's interests. To this end, the Minister for Foreign Affairs advocates strengthening relations with like-minded partners, both in the Asia-Pacific region and in northern Europe. She also called for greater collaboration between NATO and the EU to manage relations with China, particularly at a technological level: space and cyberspace, and artificial intelligence.
Non official translation
