The Ambassador of Spain to the State of Qatar HE Javier Carbajosa, has lauded the bilateral relations between Qatar and Spain.
“These relations are nothing short of excellent. Both Qatar and Spain have been chosen to the UN Council of Human Rights for the period 2025-2027, and as in the past, we will work together to defend and promote human rights,” he said.
The envoy was addressing a gala dinner hosted by him recently to celebrate the National Day of Spain, at Hotel Marsa Malaz Kempinski, the Pearl Qatar.
Present on the occasion were HE Dr Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Deputy Prime Minister and President of Qatar National Library; HE Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour; HE Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, Director of Protocol Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; HE Dr Christian Tudor, Ambassador of European Union in Qatar; members of diplomatic Corp; dignitaries; members of media; a large number of Spanish community members, and guests.
HE Javier Carbajosa said that on the diplomatic front, both countries have frequent and regular meetings, as witnessed by the Spanish Foreign Minister’s visit to Doha this February and the Spanish Prime Minister’s visit on April 3.
“Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani visited Spain on May 29. Moreover, the first session of the Strategic Dialogue between our two countries in Madrid on June 21 attended by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Qatar, opened a large number of avenues to work together in the future, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030,” he said.
“Then a parallel meeting, shared by both Ministers of Industry and Commerce took place on the same day, reuniting representatives of private sectors of the two countries, laying the foundations of our future work and cooperation.”
The Spanish envoy said, “Before the end of this year, we are expecting several delegations dealing with trade and commerce, and defence etc.”
He highlighted the close cooperation between both Ministries of Interior. Their delegations meet regularly to exchange knowledge and experience on different issues.
The envoy said that Spain being a member state of the European Union, was looking forward to the first Summit, on October 16, between the GCC countries and the EU. He said he hoped this summit would lay the foundation of strategic relationships between the two countries.
About regional issues, he said that many things had happened in these last 12 months, both in terms of bilateral relations between Spain and Qatar and in terms of world events, particularly in this region.
“…our deep concern about the situation in the region, which has been deteriorating throughout this last year, with a level of violence, destruction and death that, as rightly pointed out by Qatar, lead us closer and closer to the abyss, with unpredictable consequences for all the region and the world,” he noted.
“On this matter, our countries hold a similar position,” he said.
The Spanish envoy reaffirmed his country’s position calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, demanding the complete opening of border crossing points to allow the arrival of the massive humanitarian aid needed, and calling for the immediate release of hostages and prisoners.
“We are in favour of any measure leading to the de-escalation of this conflict, preventing a generalized war in the Middle East. In this light, Spain appreciates very much the efforts that Qatar has been making, both at the national level and in its capacity of the rotating presidency of the GCC countries.”
The envoy condemned the bombing of Lebanon saying, “The attacks on UN troops are simply unacceptable.”
“Only the establishment of an independent Palestinian State will guarantee stability and security in the region. The solution to the Palestinian issue is fundamental for a lasting peace in the area.”
The envoy noted, “That’s the reason why Spain took the historical decision on May 28 this year to fully recognise the Palestinian State. His Majesty King Phillip VI received on September 16 this year the letters of credentials of the first-ever Palestinian Ambassador in Spain.”
The ambassador shared with the guests present on the occasion that Spain and Palestine will hold the first bilateral summit before the end of the year. “Spain has added its voice to those countries fully supporting the advice and recommendations issued by the International Court of Justice concerning the responsibilities of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. Last but not least, the Spanish government has taken the decision to stop all arms exports to Israel,” the envoy said.
HE Carbajosa said, “The region is currently at a critical juncture, and perhaps darker days are ahead. Therefore, there is a need to intensify our calls for peace, wisdom and restraint.”
Talking about sports, as a staunch fan of football himself, the Spanish ambassador noted that Qatar will receive the Real Madrid football team as part of those playing the Intercontinental Cup in December. “I trust that Real Madrid will take inspiration from our champions this year of the Euro-Cup played in Germany, and from the Gold Medal won by our national team at the Olympic Games in Paris. And of course, as they did in 2022, I have no doubt the Qatari authorities will give everyone the warmest of receptions and will do a great job.”
In his closing remarks, HE Carbajosa thanked the sponsors including Aguas de Valencia, Acciona, Facilities Management and Maintenance Company (FMM), PandataTech, Técnicas Reunidas, Analyzer, Lulú Hypermarket, FCC Construcción, Iberdrola, Indra, Integra Agricultura y Tecnología, EBS, Sener, and SEK.
