The King and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, at the closing of the 2026 Conference of Ambassadors
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, together with His Majesty the King, closed the 2026 Conference of Ambassadors, where, over two days, participants reflected on foreign policy priorities for 2026. Among these priorities were important milestones such as the Ibero-American Summit in Madrid and the International Conference on Feminist Foreign Policy.
Under the slogan "Spain a global player", ambassadors reinforced the commitment of Spanish diplomacy to strengthen Spain's leadership role on the international stage, where it maintains its own distinct voice and identity. The recent signing of the agreement with Mercosur, the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and the situation in Venezuela were the focus of two days of discussions.
"These two days of the Conference of Ambassadors have allowed us to reflect on and debate the pillars upon which our foreign policy is built. This year's slogan, "Spain, a global player", reflects our country's commitment to playing a leading role on the international stage", the minister stated in his address.
The minister advocated for a world based on rules and respect for international law, as opposed to the law of the jungle. "Having our own voice and identity means moving away from blindly following others. It requires standing firm in defence of our values and our interests. Having our own voice and identity means acting with respect and loyalty to international institutions and to our partners and allies, while making and defending our decisions with sovereignty and autonomy", he concluded.
Defending multilateralism
In his closing remarks, King Felipe VI affirmed that this is, more than any other, "the time for diplomats", and encouraged them to continue their work: "Spanish diplomats have a reputation based on listening, profound knowledge, and the ability to reach consensus; a reputation that I frequently hear from authorities and other interlocutors abroad. You are needed, first and foremost, in the defence of multilateralism. There is no better way to defend multilateralism than through consistency and effectiveness", the monarch stated.
The President of the Government of Spain in his address during the opening of the Conference, also affirmed that, in the face of an increasingly multipolar world, "Spain is committed to sensible internationalism. To foreign policy that, without renouncing who we are, aspires to build new alliances and strengthen ties with other regions and countries".
He added: "In a world where values are faltering, our country advocates for being at the heart of a moral rearmament. On principle. Out of dignity. And because, ultimately, there is no better defence of our national interest than building a better world. By being an example of global citizenship and a benchmark for the international community".
Two days of debates
Over these two days, 126 ambassadors participated, practically the entire Spanish diplomatic corps accredited abroad. In addition, the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Yuggar, participated in the plenary sessions as a guest, along with the Spanish Ministers for Home Affairs, Fernando Grande-Marlaska; Defence, Margarita Robles; and Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo.
Also on the occasion of the conference, a plaque was unveiled in recognition of the work of the organisation Women for Afghanistan. Its president, Fawzia Kooki, had the opportunity to address the audience, thanking Spain for its support and leadership in its fight to restore the rights of Afghan girls and women.
Non official translation