The Diplomat
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg yesterday thanked Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for Spain’s “vital contribution” to the Atlantic Alliance in relation to the crisis in Ukraine.
On his Twitter account, Stoltenberg noted that he spoke with Sánchez to prepare for the NATO summit in Madrid and highlighted, as the latest example of Spain’s contribution to the Alliance, the deployment of the frigate ‘Blas de Lezo’.
For his part, the head of the Spanish government reiterated to Stoltenberg that Spain is “committed to NATO and the security of Europe“, and added on social networks: “We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and trust that diplomacy and dialogue will be the way to de-escalate this crisis”.
In his round of telephone contacts, Sánchez also spoke yesterday with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to whom he insisted on “the importance of the unity of the 27” in resolving the crisis in Ukraine. According to Moncloa, the two men also stressed that “the will of the international community is firm” and that “the EU is prepared for all eventualities”.
The President of the Government also spoke with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Arturs Krisjanis Karins.
For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, has asked to appear urgently at his own request in the Congress of Deputies “in view of the extraordinary situation that is developing around the crisis in Ukraine”.
Foreign Affairs sources told Europa Press that Albares has requested his appearance to explain Spain’s position on the Ukraine crisis, as well as the conclusions of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers which will take place today, Monday, in Brussels.
The sources explained that Tuesday is the only day on which the minister can attend Congress, as he is in Brussels on Monday and on Wednesday he will accompany the King to the inauguration of the new president of Honduras, Xiomara Castro, and will not return until Friday afternoon.
In recent days, Albares has argued that now is the time for dialogue and diplomacy to facilitate de-escalation with Russia. However, he has made it clear that the Spanish government will also stand by its partners and allies for deterrence if necessary and is prepared for any eventuality.
