A Political Consultations Meeting between Argentina and Spain, led by the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Leopoldo Sahores, and the Spanish State Secretary for Ibero-America and the Caribbean and for Spanish in the World, Ms. Susana Sumelzo Jordán, took place in Madrid on Thursday April 18th.
During the meeting, and through a frank and open dialogue, both officials highlighted the historical relationship uniting Argentina and Spain, based on shared values and interests. In this regard, the Argentine Secretary for Foreign Affairs mentioned the importance that Argentina attaches to the bond with Spain and emphasized that it is a broad, diverse and multidimensional relationship with indisputable historical roots and a shared cultural identity that includes the participation of actors both from government and civil society. In this framework, it was agreed to continue strengthening the Strategic Association between both countries, which will result in the renewal of bilateral instruments such as the Strategic Action Plan, key tool in the relationship.
In turn, both delegations discussed mechanisms for political dialogue, consular issues, cooperation on cultural and educational matters, and cooperation on space matters, among other topics on the bilateral agenda. On the other hand, they addressed the complex international and regional situation and expressed the commitment of both countries to multilateralism.
Sahores and Sumelzo Jordán also highlighted the strength of the bilateral economic, commercial and investment relationship. They also agreed on the priority of completing the negotiations of the Mercosur - European Union Agreement as soon as possible, as a pillar for strengthening the bi-regional and bilateral relationship and celebrated Argentina's decision to begin the accession process to the OECD.
The Secretaries highlighted the importance of bilateral political dialogue and joint work to deepen convergence in regional and multilateral forums. In this sense, they agreed on the relevance of the bi-regional dialogue, as well as that of the Ibero-American Summits.
Finally, Secretary Sahores expressed his gratitude for Spain’s historic and valuable support for the Argentine position in the Question of the Malvinas Islands.
