The Diplomat
The Australian Ambassador to Spain, Sophia McIntyre, stressed that both countries agree on the defence of democracy, multilateralism, human rights and peace in the world during the reception she gave at the Museo del Traje in Madrid to celebrate the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.
During these 55 years, both countries have maintained a constant and growing cooperation in the fields of politics, economics and culture. A trend that McIntyre did not hesitate to assure that it will continue to be strengthened, as Spain and Australia share common interests.
“As liberal democracies, with similar-sized, export-oriented economies, we have a common interest in working to support multilateralism and the rules-based international order,” she said during her speech. The two countries also show a common front, she added, “in condemning Russia’s unilateral, illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine”.
The State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ángeles Moreno, pointed out that there are currently around 100 leading Spanish companies working in Australia in the security, defence, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.
The reception was also attended by foreign ambassadors accredited to Spain, businessmen with interests in Australia and representatives from the world of culture.
The event coincided with the start of National Reconciliation Week, which each year commemorates the history and culture of Australia’s indigenous peoples. Attendees were also able to visit the indigenous art exhibition Ngirramanujuwal: Jimmy’s Art and the Land, featuring paintings and prints by one of Australia’s most famous Aboriginal artists.
Soprano Saira Luther closed the event with a performance in which she sang in English and one of Australia’s indigenous languages.
