The Diplomat
His Majesty the King yesterday urged the new diplomats to feel “the responsibility of projecting the best image of Spain” in the world, during the speech he gave when handing over offices to the 28 embassy secretaries of the 75th promotion of the Diplomatic School.
Don Felipe presided over the ceremony, which was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, and senior officials from his department, as well as family and friends of the new diplomats.
After a few words from the director of the Diplomatic School, Santiago Miralles, who pointed out that “there is a big difference between being an observer and practicing as diplomats,” the minister took the floor to highlight that, for the second time in history, a promotion of new embassy secretaries is made up of more women than men, specifically 16 compared to 12.
Albares pointed out that this fact is “a sign that gender equality is making its way into the Diplomatic Career” and that this is no longer just a thing for men, but for men and women. In this sense, he recalled that in 2018 the number of women ambassadors did not reach 15%, while today they are 27%, approaching the goal of reaching 50%.
The minister urged the new embassy secretaries to “be the eyes and ears, but above all the voice of Spain, a voice – he said – that you must use to promote the values of democracy, diversity, justice and, above all, of peace”. He added that peace and security is a collective task that involves everyone and after referring to the situation in Ukraine and Gaza, he took the opportunity to mourn the death of seven workers from chef José Andrés’ NGO and ask for clarification of what happened. happened.
Albares pointed out to the diplomats that for the task they undertake they have an important resource, which is the prestige of Spain and integration into a foreign service that has earned international prestige.
After the minister’s speech, the delivery of dispatches to the new embassy secretaries took place and the intervention of the number 1 of the promotion, Miguel Carricas, who stated on behalf of his companions that entering the Diplomatic Career is the greatest honor of his lives. “Only by being excellent diplomats,” he said, “will we live up to the responsibility that this profession entails, which the diplomacy of this country deserves.”
Finally, the King spoke, welcoming the new diplomats and also highlighting the fact that for the second time, more women than men joined, “a reflection,” he indicated, “of a social reality in which more and more women have access to “highly responsible positions in the Administration.”
Don Felipe reminded them that they assume “the commitment” to carry out their task for the service of Spain and the citizens, here or anywhere in the world, as well as the responsibility of consolidating and increasing the prestige of those who have preceded them in the Service. Abroad.
Likewise, he encouraged the new diplomats to defend the interests of our country and the common good of the Spanish people, without haste and without shortcuts, and taking into account that Spain’s foreign policy “must be impregnated – he stressed – with the values and principles included in the Constitution.” “Freedom, the defense of democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights, international legality and the firm determination for a world in peace are values with a vocation for permanence, which prevail even when techniques and practices change. fashions decline,” he emphasized.
“Your service to Spain – continued the Monarch – is the permanent reference that must guide your steps. And he added: “Keep in mind the responsibility of projecting the best image of Spain before other States and other international organizations and also before our partners and allies.”
After indicating to the new embassy secretaries that, if they remain faithful to their vocation and the commitment acquired, they will provide a great service to Spain, Don Felipe concluded: “In difficult times I trust that you feel close to the support of the Crown and the nation. You will always have me by your side.”
