Albares welcomes the ambassadors of the Associated Observer States and new Observers on the occasion of the Madrid Summit

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, received the ambassadors of the twelve Associated Observer States and of the three countries that are set to formalise their accession as new Observers, with the aim of strengthening their participation in the Ibero-American Community and promoting their involvement at the highest level.

As part of the Ibero-American Summit to be held in Madrid on 4 and 5 November, Spain is reinforcing its commitment to more active participation by Observer States in the Ibero-American Community.

This meeting provided an opportunity to outline the Summit's programme, encourage ministerial participation from observer countries and exchange proposals on how to enhance their involvement in the activities and work of the Ibero-American Conference.

Angola, India and Turkey will join as new Associated Observers, and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) as a Consultative Observer at the Ibero-American Summit, following the decision taken by the Ibero-American foreign ministers on 24 September in New York.

The Ibero-American Conference currently has 12 Associated Observer States: Germany, Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Haiti and Morocco; and 20 international organisations as Consultative Observers. These new additions expand the network of partners within the Ibero-American Community and offer new opportunities for dialogue and cooperation.

The meeting forms part of the Spanish pro tempore Secretariat's commitment to strengthening and deepening relations between the Ibero-American Community and its Observers.

Minister Albares emphasised Spain's commitment to ensuring that the Observers are active partners in building a more visible, influential and effective Ibero-American area.

Non official translation