Albares defends Spain's decision to recognise Palestine one year on as necessary and just

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, during the event

José Manuel Albares argued that the decision taken on 28 May 2024 was "a necessary decision, a just decision and, in light of what we have seen this year, an urgent decision", taken in the name of humanity and in defence of international law.

During the event - at which he was accompanied by the ambassador of the State of Palestine in Spain, Husni Abdel Wahed, and which was attended by members of the government and civil society organisations, and ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from various European, Arab and Islamic countries - the minister recalled that the only way to end the conflict that has brought decades of pain and destruction to the Middle East and achieve lasting peace is the recognition of two states living in peace and security. "There is no alternative, there is no other way, there is no other path to peace in Palestine. This is why recognition was and is necessary".

During his speech, the minister also encouraged other countries to follow Spain's example, adding that recognition was "a decision that has driven progress on the road to peace", with the creation in September 2024 of the Global Partnership for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, the convening of the High-Level Conference on the Pacific Settlement of the Question of Palestine, and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution on 17 June at the UN. "Our position is not directed against anyone, but is in favour of peace, international law and justice for both peoples", the minister added. In this regard, he argued that this recognition is part of a broader strategy that includes concrete measures to respond to the grave situation in Gaza.

As he recalled on 25 May at the Madrid+ Ministerial Meeting, Spain has moved from words to deeds, with "the intention of spearheading an embargo on arms sales to Israel to stop the violence in Gaza, and the application of sanctions against violent settlers and those who hinder peace and the two-state solution". The minister demanded an immediate ceasefire and the unimpeded and massive entry of humanitarian aid, and called for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

Meeting with Arab ambassadors

The events to commemorate the first anniversary of the recognition of the Palestinian state extended to a meeting with the ambassadors of the Arab countries accredited in Spain, which the minister concluded with these words: "Spain is working for a Palestinian people that can live in peace, and has taken decisive steps towards the implementation of the two-state solution".

Albares, who brought together ambassadors from 16 countries and the head of mission of the League of Arab States, stressed that Spain's recognition has not been a mere symbolic gesture, but has been translated into concrete actions that reflect our support for Palestine. In this regard, he highlighted as the most recent example the Madrid+ meeting on the implementation of the two-state solution held on 25 May.

The minister recalled that the group has managed to be expanded, urging that "this close coordination be maintained from now on". He also took the opportunity to thank all those who were able to take part for their contributions, "which will help us move towards the New York Peace Conference in June, to which we have given an important political impetus".

Non official translation