ADDRESS BY THE SPANISH PRIME MINISTER
‘IN SPAIN’S INTEREST: A COMMITTED FOREIGN POLICY’
Prado Museum, 16 June 2008
Dear
Kofi Annan, ministers, ambassadors and friends:
The Elcano Royal Institute, Cidob,
FRIDE, ICEI and INCIPE are outstanding Spanish think-tanks that address global
affairs in depth and
Spain
’s
role in the world. Let me express my appreciation for their having invited me
to outline my government’s foreign policy.
I
would like to give special thanks to Kofi Annan for his remarks, but above all
for his presence, which is clearly rich in symbolism. His leadership at the
United Nations and firm ethics have been and continue to be a permanent source
of inspiration.
Friends,
I
believe in a foreign policy that is committed: committed to the values
professed by the majority of the Spanish people and to the scenarios where our
presence can be useful.
It
is my conviction that a foreign policy conceived in this way is the best one
for defending the interests of our country; the interests of a medium-sized
power which holds a unique, strategic role in today’s multi-polar world; the
interests of a nation destined to play a growing role in the international
community if, through dialogue and the power of persuasion, it knows how to use
its position as a bridge between regions and cultures, between rich and poor.
I
advocate the foreign policy of a progressive government, but one conceived and
implemented as a policy of State, that is, as a policy that serves Spanish
society as a whole. And by this I mean a policy not just for Spanish society but designed and carried out with it; in other words, working with as
many public and private sector forces as possible.
I
believe in a foreign policy that stems from the one developed since
Spain
’s
transition to democracy; in a basic line of continuity which strengthens us as
a country and reflects the broadly shared will of successive generations of
Spaniards.
So
I believe in a foreign policy that is naturally and vocationally European and
pro-European, a calling that is for us historic and long-ranging and that makes us feel comfortable and
useful when we know how to push the
Union
in
the right direction.
In
a foreign policy that is naturally and vocationally Iberoamerican and which contributes to the consolidation of democracy, to progress and to the
regional institutionalisation of the community of Iberoamerican countries.
In
a foreign policy with an intelligent and respectful complicity with our neighbours,
one with a scope that transcends the regional to build a relationship with the
United States that strengthens all of that which unites us reciprocally, which
is a lot, which is overall the most significant and which is a reason for
friendly and sincere recognition between the two countries.
These
are the ‘classic’ vectors of democratic
Spain
’s foreign policy, which I aim
to maintain and strengthen. But along with them, the changes that we are
witnessing prompt us to develop and promote other lines of overseas action that
began under our first term in power.
New
times mean a new emphasis on the values we profess and new scenarios in which
to defend them.
Therefore,
I believe it is fitting for us to exercise more responsibility in the
Mediterranean region, to continue opening up to Africa and Asia and to commit
ourselves even more to the organisations and initiatives which help rationalise
international governance, in particular the United Nations and the actions it
promotes.
I believe in a foreign policy that clearly
reflects the challenges that
Spain
has taken on. I want to achieve an internal and external projection of the same
shared look towards the future. And of a single consciousness
as a country. Because after 30 years of very fruitful democratic
evolution, Spain has achieved its collective aspiration of taking its place
quite naturally alongside the most developed countries of Europe and the whole
world. And now we can set new goals for ourselves and new kinds of leadership.
I believe in a foreign policy in which
Spain
’s name is
synonymous with solidarity, justice and humanity throughout the world.
Therefore,
I cannot help but believe in a foreign policy which is a top priority for
government action and driven constantly by its Prime Minister.
In
the next few years, I thus plan to keep taking the main responsibility for
charting the path of our foreign policy and articulating it. And I will do so
in a mandate in which, despite the economic difficulties that we face, and
which call for preferential attention, will make this task easier than in the
previous legislature. That is what I believe, and this is a good opportunity to
make it clear.
I
will divide my remarks into three parts. First, I will address what I feel are
the most important challenges facing international governance, and that require
from
Spain
this committed foreign policy.
Then
I will address a great challenge which, given its specific nature, merits
separate treatment: the need for our foreign policy to contribute efficiently
to our economic growth and that helps to manage the process of globalisation,
given the importance that Spanish investment around the world has taken on.
And
finally, in line with the earlier sections, I will review the different
scenarios of
Spain
’s
foreign policy.
So,
first of all, let us look at the major challenges of international governance.
I feel there are four of them: the fight against poverty, promoting peace in
the face of insecurity and terrorism, the orderly management of migratory
flows, and climate change and energy.
The fight against poverty
The
fight against poverty, hunger and disease, problems that affect so many
millions of people in many parts of the world, has gone from being a relatively
secondary issue for the world’s main players to one that requires being placed calling at the top of the international
agenda.
What
had merely been a background noise on the world’s conscience has now become an
ethical imperative with the consequences that entails. What had been a
potential source of localised conflict is increasingly being perceived as a
factor of structural instability.
Spain
is acutely aware it cannot remain on the
sidelines of this change in the moral and political paradigm, and is fully
committed to addressing it. We face the formidable challenge of showing
solidarity towards other peoples, which is at the heart of our goal of
earmarking 0.7% of GDP to development aid by the end of this mandate. It is not
just the objective of the government, but rather of all of Spanish society,
made up of concerned, responsible citizens.
Fulfilment
of the Millennium Goals is and will continue to be a top priority of this
Government. Starting in 2009, we will devote at least 50% of our development
aid to it.
Two
weeks ago, at the WFO conference, I made the commitment that
Spain
would host in the autumn a high-level
conference on the food crisis, the idea being to follow up on the
Rome
meeting and make
specific commitments.
Even
in the current circumstances, developed countries cannot but increase their
development aid and coordinate their efforts efficiently.
Building peace
The
second challenge to which
Spain
is totally committed: building peace.
The
world needs more government, more coordination and more agreement in the
building of a just and lasting peace. ‘To save succeeding generations from the
scourge of war’, reads the United Nations Charter.
But
today it is not just regular armies that face each other on the battlefield,
but rather forces that are a hybrid between guerrillas, terrorism and organised
crime. Today, armed conflict mainly affects the civilian population: nine of 10
fatalities in it are civilians.
We
need new tools to deal with new conflicts and their causes. The new rules of
governance that we need in order to promote peace efficiently require a global
view of human security, and they need strong democracies, States which are
committed to human rights and an international community which is watchful and
active with regard to weak states that can barely control their territories.
We
have seen this recently in
Somalia
and other parts of
Africa
. For this reason we
are also present in
Bosnia-Herzegovina
,
Afghanistan
and
Lebanon
where, as they did
yesterday, our soldiers pay a high price. This is why we will stay there. For our partners, for peace and security, for ourselves.
When
the source of a conflict is the proliferation
of hatred, the available tools are not enough. We need new responses. Like
the Alliance of Civilizations, embraced by the United Nations and the European
Union, and also recently endorsed by the Secretary General of NATO and the Gulf
Cooperation Council.
In
this legislature we will make a special effort to enhance the important work
being done by the High Representative, Jorge Sampaio.
And to encourage national plans –some 10 countries now have them– to instil
government action and legislation with measures that foster understanding and
avert violence.
I shall
only cite today one example: the Balkans, one of the areas most punished by the
new kind of conflict. We are working jointly in this direction with Prime Ministers Erdogan, Tadic and
Karamanlis. Because the national plans stemming from the Alliance of
Civilizations in
Turkey
,
Serbia
,
Greece
and
Spain
, along with those being developed by other countries in the region, such
as
Rumania
,
Bulgaria
and
Albania
, can be an excellent tool
for constructive and preventive diplomacy.
We
will not defeat international terrorism, which is hitting the world so hard and
which we suffered in
Madrid
on 11 March 2004, if we treat it like a war. We need internal conviction and
firmness but certainly we also need international coordination.
Spain
’s
contribution can be very useful because we are one of the most efficient
countries in this struggle and we act in the only way that can in fact be
efficient: respecting the rule of law and international legality.
In
the global architecture of security, regional organisations must continue to
play an important role. I feel NATO, which is about to mark its 60th anniversary, is a necessary and valuable alliance because it rests on the very
solid values that we share.
Orderly management of migratory flows
Nearly two million of our compatriots still live outside
Spain
. Of the
various forums in which I have had to explain our immigration policy, it is
these people who express the strongest support for the vision of
Spain
as a
country willing to take in those who, under Spanish law, can be offered work
and decent living conditions.
The
immigration phenomenon requires a great effort in dialogue and concerted
governance. And in my opinion there are still not enough structures for working
together on this in the international community.
For
the time being all we see is a fledgling effort to harmonise policies and an
attempt to build a common EU policy. The latter started in 2005, largely through
pressure from
Spain
.
It is often forgotten that when we began the process of normalisation, that
European framework did not exist and that
Spain
was the main driving force
behind it.
In
Europe and the United Nations,
Spain
is working hard on this issue, defending lines of action that are already
firmly consolidated in our country.
In the first place, it is working to ensure cooperation between countries
of origin and of transit with a global approach.
Secondly,
Spain
is working to toughen the fight on criminal gangs that smuggle human beings,
the main threat not only for emigrants but also for the countries where these
groups operate.
Third,
Spain
wants to protect its borders from illegal immigration and the prospect of
having to expel and repatriate people.
Finally,
our country wants to establish efficient systems for protecting displaced
persons and refugees and favouring their integration into society.
In
line with these premises, after my first tour of Africa during this term, I
plan to join President Wade of
Senegal
and the West African Community in convening a high-level regional meeting to
address the issues of the economy, agriculture, infrastructure, migratory
flows, development, the strengthening of institutions,
regional integration and energy.
Climate change and energy
The
Stern report says that climate change could cost the world economy between 5%
and 20% of its GDP. The toll is infinitely higher in terms of human lives. The
challenge is to convert this task into an opportunity for change, working
towards a model of economic and social growth that is sustainable with the
environment, health and living standards.
I
assign top priority to fulfilling
Spain
’s commitment under the Kyoto
Protocol, relying on renewable sources of energy and savings linked to energy
efficiency. This has been enshrined in the Spanish Strategy on Climate Change
and Clean Energy.
Wealthy
countries should help developing countries adapt to the risks stemming from
climate change.
Spain
will earmark a greater percentage of its development aid for the most
vulnerable countries to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to it.
Spain
is going to push for the creation of an
International Agency for Renewable Energies. On 30 June I will travel to
Denmark
. I have
agreed with Prime Minister Rasmussen that the visit will focus on renewable
energies, showing the joint commitment of our two countries.
Unbridled
globalisation, instability in the
Middle East
and speculation are causing great distortions in the energy sector. These
require energy security measures, not just in terms of guaranteeing supplies,
but also supplies at reasonable prices.
This
afternoon I met with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest
oil producer, as I did last week with the President of Mexico, another major
producer. I also addressed the issue with President Sarkozy,
with whom we agreed to seek joint initiatives.
It
is time to work with a sensible foreign policy in order to reduce the risk of
geopolitical conflicts. For this reason, I reiterate that the crisis with
Iran
should be
resolved with firmness but through dialogue. At the same time we shall continue
to engage in dialogue with the major Latin American producers in order to make
energy a source of integration.
We
will strengthen our own energy production through our commitment to renewable
energies and grid connections with neighbouring countries. And we will
diversify our supply, and for this reason we have made substantial progress in
negotiations with
Algeria
,
Libya
,
Qatar
,
Saudi Arabia
and
Bolivia
.
The economy
Foreign policy is also an economic issue. And it
will be increasingly so.
The international economy has experienced a good
phase of growth. But during this period serious economic imbalances on a global
scale have also accumulated. The abundance of liquidity has favoured the
development of increasingly sophisticated markets and financial products, unassumable risks, exaggerated expectations of profit and the
creation of dangerous ‘financial bubbles’. And the prices of oil, other raw
materials and some foodstuffs are growing in a spectacular way.
The consequence is less growth, more inflation,
greater inequality and 100 million people once again facing hunger and
malnutrition.
What we are witnessing is the first economic
fracture in the process of globalisation, and few people doubt that the
international financial system needs to be adjusted in the way it works.
Rather than selfish protectionism, we support
trade on a level playing field. Rather than barriers, we want bridges. Unlike
those who believe in cutting social spending, we want to –and can– adapt the
welfare state to suit new circumstances, but without renouncing its goals.
Rather than deregulation, we want clear and efficient rules so that the market
will develop its potential without violating the principles of equity and
justice.
No country, no matter how large it may be, can
face these challenges on its own. In order to manage globalisation, we must
build consensus, define strategies and prepare tools at a global level.
Within the European Union we want to lead
initiatives and adapt, when necessary, the current framework of multilateral
institutions to make them serve these objectives.
So we want to manage globalisation with our
foreign policy but also use it to support our companies. Because
Spain
has become the world’s
third-largest investor, behind only the
United States
and
France
. Because our economic growth depends to an increasing extent
on overseas activities. Because if we are going
through hard economic times, we must take advantage of all opportunities, also
abroad.
In some sectors Spanish companies have acquired
a solidity that we could not even have imagined a few years ago. They are
leaders in renewable energies, desalination, telecommunications, the financial
sector, tourism and transport concessions, and we want to strengthen this
leadership.
There is room to improve our companies’ export
capacity, and I have made a pledge to introduce measures to enhance it, open
new markets, consolidate our internationalisation, complete the most ambitious
series of investment-protection agreements in our history and encourage greater
legal security.
We are also working to attract direct investment
to
Spain
–including sovereign funds– through dialogue with investors and with
transparency, and to project an attractive and solid image of our economy.
I
also want to stress the importance of corporate social responsibility. Business
awareness of the environment, gender equality, respect for human rights and
solidarity with developing countries to give rise to a new model of business
ethics fully coincide with the political guidelines driving my Government.
I
will address all of these issues in detail on 23 June at an event similar to
this one, on the government's economic initiatives.
Geographical areas
When it comes to addressing our overseas
interests by geographical areas, one must begin with
Europe
,
even more so after the Irish referendum of last week.
Europe
The
result of the Irish referendum is certainly not good news, but
Spain
confronts
it with certain clear ideas.
The
people of
Ireland
have expressed themselves in a democratic way, which we respect. This is true.
However, regardless of any legal considerations on the consequences of the
Irish rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, Ireland must understand that its ‘no’ to
an agreement reached after long and complex negotiations cannot simply halt the
desire of the vast majority of member states to move towards a greater degree
of integration in order to be in a better position to confront the challenges
of the 21st century.
Therefore,
I want to begin by stating my will and desire to continue moving decidedly
towards European integration.
This
means being aware that we respect the majority opinion of the Irish people, but
it also means that the decision of most Europeans of wanting more
Europe
must also be respected.
The
news today is not that the referendum in
Ireland
failed. The news is that,
outside
Ireland
, millions of
people supported it and have given us a mandate to keep moving forwards because
they feel that what is needed is more
Europe
.
Today,
the whole world needs a stronger
Europe
. And
we must say it clearly: that a strong Europe, the Europe which is capable of
making decisions efficiently and making a difference in the world, must be an
integrated Europe, one that renounces the right to veto and admits that some
institutions, which will not work on the basis of national representation, will
be able to make important decisions.
But the situation that has emerged calls for some
reflection.
People
want us to debate their problems. They expect
Europe
to provide solutions, and for many this debate on institutions which has been
under way for more than 10 years is something distant and sometimes
unintelligible. They expect that at this week’s summit we will discuss the
Irish ‘no’ but that mainly we will address their legitimate worries about fuel
and food prices. I also think the French presidency of the EU will try not to
let institutional questions dominate the six months, and in this regard
President Sarkozy will have my support.
The
European Union is not paralysed. For the past few days I have been in close
contact with my colleagues from other member states and will speak in more detail
at the European summit next Thursday.
It
is still possible to move forwards together. I think so, and I think it is best
for everyone. Therefore, I think it is premature to talk about possible
exceptions, different speeds or statuses within the
Union
,
or enhanced cooperation.
But
it is good to keep in mind that when common policies succeed, people understand
better what
Europe
means. And this is a time
when we need European policies on major issues, such as the fight against
poverty, climate change, energy and immigration, which require more
international governance, both inside and outside
Europe
.
And
Spain
will always be prepared to move ahead on major European policies.
With
regard to energy policy,
Spain
is going to keep working to develop a European market that is more transparent
and efficient, with supply security and sustainability. For
Spain
it is
particularly important to promote interconnections and the harmonising of the major
economic players so that uniform rules do not benefit or harm different
companies.
Europe
must also guarantee the safety of its citizens and make
progress in developing security, freedom and justice. In this realm,
Europe
’s commitment to fighting terrorism should be highlighted.
It
is essential to go deeper in developing structures and capabilities, both
civilian and military, with which the European Union can act. Three goals will
guide Spanish policy: to push for the creation of a common security and defence
policy with the necessary capabilities; maintaining the transatlantic link that
is NATO, of which we are a firm and committed member; and encouraging cooperation
between the EU and NATO. To this I will add our commitment to the Spanish Armed
Forces in order to guarantee our defence and contribute to the defence of
Europe
.
This
Europe is being built by all day by day, but in
Spain
’s case we will have the
opportunity to take on greater responsibilities when we assume the EU
presidency in the first half of 2010.
In
our presidency we will implement an ambitious program whose goals will include
developing these broad policy areas I have outlined in this speech.
But our European policy cannot wait until then,
nor will it be exhausted on 30 June of that year. Starting right now, we want
to be with those who believe most in Europe and want to advance the project for
political union, moving towards a
Europe
that
is strong and flexible and preserves EU solidarity.
Transatlantic relations
The
United States
is the world’s greatest power in military and economic –and even cultural–
terms, and will continue to be so for many years. At the same time, the
United States
has also realised that it is essential to have allies and a multilateral
policy, a trend that will only grow in the near future, judging by the comments
of both of the presidential candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain.
All
of us, and in especially we Europeans, must help encourage an efficient
multilateralism in which
Washington
plays a central role. And I am convinced it is going to have such a role, both
with regard to the fight against the causes and effects of climate change and
in the new international law.
We
must foster transatlantic relations, and this will be a priority for
Spain
’s EU
presidency, in addition to developing our bilateral relations, through mutual
respect and, sometimes, despite differing criteria. But there are too many
things in common to give them up: from reciprocal investment and trade to the
Spanish language, as the
United
States
is fast becoming the country with the
largest number of Spanish-speakers.
Africa
and
Asia
I would like address two areas that I now feel have
such a high-priority and are so essential to our activities overseas that I
would even call them the new pillars of Spanish foreign policy: Africa and
Asia
.
There is an African proverb from the banks of
the
Niger River
that says ‘the river is big,
but it always needs a drop of water’. The international aid effort for
Africa
is large, but not enough. The fight for survival
in
Africa
has a different meaning than in
other places, but the battle for human dignity is the same. And that battle is
being waged especially in Africa, and with
Africa
.
The best example to follow in this important
effort is the struggle being waged by Africans themselves, by many of their governments
and organisations. We must not view the continent from a paternalistic point of
view, since many of the initiatives in which we can cooperate originate in
Africa
, in the political, economic and cultural realms,
in development and in the development of democracy and human rights.
Our commitment to
Africa
is to be strengthened during this legislature: with a new Africa Plan spanning
the entire term of Parliament; a greater presence and dialogue with the opening
of embassies and commercial offices; a cooperation effort we will earmark
greater resources to.
I shall encourage this work personally, and
during this legislature I will make at least three trips to African countries.
We have decided to engage in a policy not for
Africa, or towards Africa, but rather with
Africa
.
I think Africans perceive us as a country that understands them, that
understands the continent’s grave problems: economic problems, daily deaths
from diseases like malaria and AIDS, lack of food and water, armed conflicts
and spending on weapons, bad government, and also indifference and broken
promises by many parties in the international community.
Africa and its people deserve another lot in
life, another fate, and I want Spanish society to become more fully involved,
to think more and view
Africa
with solidarity,
responsibility and hope.
I shall concentrate this effort on
West Africa
. In Equatorial Guinea, and also in the Sahel
region, where we are concerned about violations of human rights, as in Darfur,
instability in Chad, the presence of al-Qaida… although there are also cases
like Mali where democracy has prevailed, despite difficulties.
This must be a collective effort. Today the most
urgent task is to develop the agricultural sector. But we need to work in other
areas as well. I know many of the Spanish business leaders who are here share
this vision, and in
Africa
there are also good
investment possibilities.
It is also important to think about what
policies the EU and the WTO could follow to enhance African countries’ ability
to export.
Looking to Asia, I first want to express
solidarity with the victims of the earthquake in
Szechuan
,
as I did in the conversation I held last Wednesday on behalf of all the Spanish
people with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
But as we look to
Asia
we see much more than this, and we see it in a very
positive light. The continent is an important centre of gravity in both
political and economic terms. If our country wants to be truly global, if it
does not want to miss out on the global economy, it must get involved in
Asia
, where we have arrived relatively late.
Our
priorities will not just be the major economies like
China
,
India
,
Japan
,
South Korea
,
Singapore
and
Indonesia
, or countries that need international
aid, such as
Vietnam
,
Cambodia
and East Timor, but also ones that need
special attention, like
Afghanistan
and
Pakistan
.
We will also focus on countries with which we have historical ties, such as the
Philippines
, and the Pacific
region, where very important projects are being carried out in two countries
that are increasingly close to us,
Australia
and
New Zealand
.
During
this legislature I plan to make three trips to
Asia
.
We are now preparing a new Asia-Pacific Plan that will be more ambitious about our
projection in
Asia
. I will be at the forefront
of this task, in which the entire government will be involved, as I am sure
civil society and other local and regional governments will be as well.
The
Mediterranean
and the Arab world
The
Mediterranean
holds a very important part of
our history, our presence and above all, our future.
We
should thank President Sarkozy for encouraging the
necessary debate on reforming the
Barcelona
process.
In
2010 we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Barcelona Conference, and it
will be a good time to reflect with a sense of perspective. We must go into it
with ambitious proposals.
Some
of the great international challenges such as energy, immigration and
terrorism, have had or still have a significant presence in this area of the
world. At the same time, it is an area that is looking to the future; they are
countries that see
Europe
as part of that
future.
We
should work along four lines.
First,
I am working with President Bouteflika on a proposal
that we will present to our partners in the Barcelona Process-Mediterranean
Union to push for a Euro-Mediterranean Charter on Energy and Climate Change.
Secondly,
Presidents Mubarak, Sarkozy and I are going to
propose an initiative for a specific framework for cooperation in the area of
food supplies.
Third,
we will focus on education, an area I view as a top priority. Illiteracy rates
in some of the countries of the southern rim of the Mediterranean basin are as
high as 40%, and 60% for women. Those cold, dry
numbers reflect the tragedy of a collective failure.
Therefore,
along with
Morocco
and with the strong support of King Mohamed VI and myself,
we are going to propose a reform in the Euro-Mediterranean socio-cultural and
educational sector, with a specific focus on education and women. The idea is
to allow a larger and faster drop in the illiteracy rates than those forecasted
in the framework of the Millennium Goals.
Fourth,
I think the current European budget framework is not up to the challenges we
face in the region and the optimism with which we should address them.
Therefore, I will propose a significant increase. I am in regular contact with Presidents Sarkozy and Sócrates,
with Prime Minister Berlusconi –whom I recently met in
Rome–
and with Prime Minister Karamanlis,
whom I shall visit next month.
This
work will be enhanced through our intense contacts with the countries of the
Maghreb region and the Middle East, where I will also travel and seek closer
relations, looking not only at bilateral ties but also at the contribution that
Spain can make to the search for peace in the region and in the construction of
a Palestinian state that can exist in peace alongside Israel.
Morocco and Algeria deserve a special mention. I will also work to bring them closer together
and contribute to a solution to the Western Sahara issue, as I will with
Tunisia
,
Mauritania
and
Libya
.
Iberoamerica
Half of what we are was forged in
America
.
I will not talk about trips to
Latin
America
because part of me is always there. But I will say that I
will plan to keep up a strong pace of visits because I would like to take in
the whole region. I will pay special attention to the Iberoamerican summits, in which we have the privilege of the presence of His Majesty the
King, whose role in the summits is essential.
Iberoamerica is the continent of the future. All we need to
do is consider the political presence and economic might that the region has
gained in recent years. I have infinite confidence in the present and future
possibilities of
Latin America
, and this enhances
my country’s pride in being part of this shared area for centuries.
It is precisely during this
legislature that we will see the 200th anniversary of the first
declarations of independence in
Latin America
.
This provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the periods
that ended and that began at that point. One of our challenges is to transform
these celebrations, which are essentially local, into Iberoamerican events in which we are present in a spirit of solidarity.
In my recent contacts with
Latin American leaders, I have noted an interest in processes with sub-regional
and regional integration processes, and a firm will to consolidate relations
with the European Union. The pillar of this rapprochement could be the
construction of a broad EU-Latin American consensus based on three elements:
social cohesion and investment, with issues such as energy as factors for
social development and integration; Iberoamerican citizenship with special attention to immigration issues; and the completion of
association agreements between the European Union and Central America, the
Andean region and MERCOSUR. I will give my utmost to bringing together the
European Union and
Latin America
.
I can tell you now that in October I will hold
two meetings to this end: the first, with Presidents of the Andean region and
the EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, and the
second with the Presidents of Central America.
Dear Friends,
In this scenario, and as we are speaking of Iberoamerica, I cannot neglect the issue of culture, an
essential element for any country that wants to matter in the world.
The evolution of diplomacy and foreign relations
has only confirmed that language and culture, along with his Majesty the King,
are our best ambassadors outside our borders. Not only because of the economic
importance of the industries linked to these two spheres, but also for their
symbolic relevance. Some 500 million people think in Spanish and many use it as
they go about their day-to-day activities. Our language continues to be one of
understanding. Spanish is now the world’s third most spoken language, and the
second most frequently studied.
It is surprising that a country with such a
widespread language and attractive culture has not had until now what we call a
strategy and tools for ‘public diplomacy’. I feel this is an issue of great
importance, and in this legislature shall change this situation. The Government
is going to create a Public Diplomacy Commission, with myself as Chairman. It
will feature members of the Government, civil society, the media and the world
of culture and business, and each year will analyse
Spain
’s projection in all areas and
propose future strategies.
Human rights
and the death penalty
I want my Government to speak the language of
human rights in the face of all of today’s challenges and in all the world’s
regions. I mean civil, political and social rights of all men and women.
For this reason, by the end of the year the
Government will approve a National Human Rights Plan with different domestic
commitments and others for our actions overseas.
We will undertake one of them immediately: a
commitment to oppose the death penalty.
In 2007 the UN General Assembly passed a
resolution in which more than 100 countries called for a universal moratorium
on capital punishment. I know I am speaking of something that is close to the
heart of Kofi Annan.
This is an initiative that requires immediate
action. But it has not been received the way it should have and needs to be
strengthened.
The Spanish Government has already taken steps
with the International community to create an International Commission that
will work towards the universal abolition of the death penalty through two specific
measures.
First, through the application
of an effective moratorium on executions until 2015.
Secondly, to reach a conclusive and definitive
agreement under which no country of the world will apply the death penalty to
minors or people who committed crimes when they were minors; the ban will be
extended to include the mentally disabled.
I take this opportunity to urge civil society,
to those who have stood out most in the fight against the death penalty, such
as Amnesty International and the Global Coalition against the Death Penalty, to
join us in this effort.
In the speech I made upon being sworn in for a
second term, I expressed a desire to create a calm political climate characterised
by dialogue and consensus. Among the issues that I said should take top
priority in this consensus, I included foreign policy, and more specifically the Spanish presidency of the EU in 2010. Foreign policy
is an issue of the utmost importance for the State. And I would like to
reiterate here my desire to achieve this consensus, which will make us stronger
as a society and as a country. It will also strengthen
Spain
’s action
overseas and its ability to contribute to an international society that is more
prosperous and peaceful.
Dear friends,
In the past 30 years, through the effort and
will of its citizens,
Spain
has managed to become the world’s eighth-largest economy.
While this progress has allowed us to improve
our living standards, it should also let us guarantee our effective presence in
the world and enhance our ability to influence decision-making in the international
community.
We should do this in traditional scenarios, but
also in new ones.
As our weight in Europe is constantly growing,
we should become increasingly involved in Africa,
Asia
and Ibero-America.
As we increasingly take our place among the
world’s leading countries, we should commit ourselves more intensely to fight
poverty, build peace and spread education and culture.
As we seek more freedom and security, we should
strengthen multilateral institutions and the tools we use to guarantee human
rights, promote gender equality and spread the values of justice and solidarity
that are inherent to the rule of law.
These are the values that characterise Spanish
society and the ones the international community needs now to face the
challenges of our times.
This is my idea of
Spain
in the world.
Thank you.
