Albares renews Spain's commitment to Lebanon's stability with his Lebanese counterpart

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, meets with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon, Youssef Raggi, at the Ministry headquarters (Viana Palace)

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, received his Lebanese counterpart, Youssef Raggi, with whom he discussed the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as expanding existing cooperation into new areas through the agreements signed during President Joseph Aoun's visit to Spain.

This is the first visit by a Lebanese president to Spain since 2009. Today's meeting is the fourth between Albares and his Lebanese counterpart, following their meeting during the Paris Conference on Syria in February 2025, their bilateral meeting during the Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting in Brussels in July, and their meeting on the sidelines of the Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum last November. This frequency of meetings in less than a year, since Minister Raggi's appointment in February 2025, is a true reflection of the close and deep bilateral relations between Spain and Lebanon.

In this vein, relations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs are also strengthened following this visit with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Diplomatic Schools of both countries. This agreement will allow for collaboration in the training of diplomatic and consular personnel, as well as foreign policy specialists.

Albares reminded his counterpart that Spain is firmly committed to Lebanon's future and stability, for which Spain has deployed more than 650 personnel to UNIFIL (the third-largest European contingent) and supports the redeployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces. He also highlighted Spain's humanitarian and development support, noting that Lebanon has been a priority country for Spanish Cooperation since 2024.

As on previous occasions, the conflict in the Middle East was a central topic of discussion. Albares reiterated his congratulations on the completion of the first phase of the disarmament plan, reaffirming that Spain will continue to support the Lebanese government's courageous efforts in pursuit of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The minister emphasised that Euro-Arab cooperation and dialogue are more important than ever to advance towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for the entire region.

Non official translation