The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, received a phone call this Friday from the US President, Joe Biden, who congratulated him on his new mandate, and during the conversation they addressed the dramatic situation in Gaza and the bilateral relationship.
Sánchez has reported on Twitter that, after thanking Biden for his congratulations on the investiture, he has reiterated his willingness to continue strengthening cooperation with the United States, “strategic partner, ally and friend of Spain”, during this new term.
“We have addressed the dramatic situation in Gaza and I have conveyed my willingness to seek a political solution that enables the coexistence of a State of Palestine and the State of Israel in peace and security,” said Sánchez, adding: “We share the need to maintain firm transatlantic unity in the face of global challenges”.
Subsequently, in a statement, Moncloa revealed that Sánchez had insisted on “a humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza.. As well as “continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation in matters such as the management of migratory flows through legal channels.” In this sense, the Government has recalled that both countries work together in different areas, as reflected in the Joint Declaration adopted during Biden's visit to Madrid in June 2022.
“Spain and the United States also share geostrategic objectives such as the diversification of value chains in key sectors, including the semiconductor sector, the development of Artificial Intelligence that respects human values and encourages innovation, or collaboration in the face of global challenges such as is the fight against the climate emergency,” the statement highlighted.
Spain's position
In this way, Sánchez has conveyed to Biden the position of the Spanish Government in the recognition of the Palestinian State. Spain, together with Belgium, Ireland and Malta, sent a letter to the President of the European Council Charles Michel to denounce the seriousness of the situation in Gaza and ask for a “lasting” ceasefire, as well as a “clear and common” position at the European level. .
In the letter they also reiterated their “strong condemnation” of the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on October 7 and called for the immediate release of the hostages.. Furthermore, they recognized Israel's right to defend itself, but always in accordance with International Law and Humanitarian Law.
“The credible perspective of the recognition of a Palestinian State, together with the State of Israel, is the basis for progress towards mutual recognition, peace and security in the region,” they defended in the letter, signed by Sánchez together with his counterparts from Belgium, Ireland and Malta.
Likewise, they demanded “effective measures to protect innocent civilians”, showing their “deep concern” about the “unbearable” number of casualties in Gaza, and demanded that humanitarian aid reach “those who need it in a sustained manner and in sufficient quantity.” “. In fact, they recalled that preventing the arrival of aid to civilians “may contravene international law.”