Spain will develop strategic partnership with UAE for regional, global stability: Spanish PM
DUBAI, 2nd February, 2022 – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain will develop strategic partnership with the UAE to contribute to the regional and global stability and prosperity.
“We feel here a deep connection with the United Arab Emirates, as we celebrate your 50th Anniversary.
The vision of your leadership is delivering modernisation and progress to your people and to the region, at a pace never seen before,” the visiting Prime Minister said in his speech at Spanish National Day celebrations at the Spanish Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai on Wednesday.
“We will develop now a strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates, to contribute to regional and global stability and prosperity, to foster human rights for women and men everywhere, to participate in multilateral efforts to face shared challenges such as climate change,” he affirmed.
Spain, UAE cooperation for global vaccination
Pointing out the urgent priority to overcome the global pandemic, Sanchez cited both Spain and the UAE’s successful vaccination campaigns that have become international models.
“The success of Expo Dubai under these circumstances, and our very presence here today, illustrates the importance of safe mobility, internally and also internationally.
This is also a concept that Spain and the Emirates have pioneered together,” he emphasised.
The Prime Minister said international solidarity to fight COVID-19 is a moral duty as well as a practical need for all, adding that Spain has pledged to offer over 50 million vaccines, with a particular focus on Latin America and Africa.
He said both Spain and the UAE will continue to walk hand in hand in this global effort.
Expo as a turning point in history
Talking about the Expo 2020 Dubai, Sanchez said the global event is a window open to the future, in a moment that represents a turning point in the history of humankind.
“The Spain pavilion represents the commitment, our commitment to develop a new and decisive modernisation of our country, based on progress, well-being and a sustainable and fair recovery for all.
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As the post-pandemic economic recovery gathers pace, Spain and the UAE will also continue to collaborate, he affirmed.
“We want to expand job and investment opportunities, and develop joint projects.
We are proud to have 200 of our best companies here, and a growing Spanish community of professionals, scientists, athletes and more [in the UAE].
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Spanish-Emirati joint efforts
The Spanish economy is projected to grow above the EU average in the coming years, the Prime Minister said.
“Coupled with a robust legal and institutional framework, we are attracting more and more Emirati and international investments.
Our pavilion also invites more joint Spanish-Emirati efforts, together with other nations of the world, in areas very important for us such as education and science.
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The spirit of this World Expo in Dubai, which mirrors so closely the genius and the wonders of the United Arab Emirates, is set to endure, he added.
Later speaking at a press conference at the Spanish Pavilion, the Prime Minister said, “I am impressed by the magnificence of the organisation of the Expo 2020 during a very challenging and very difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19.
The main theme of the Expo is a very interesting proposal that speaks about global cooperation, opportunities, mobility and sustainability, which are the main global challenges that we have after the COVID-19.
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Strengthening multilateralism
Talking about the relevance of multilateralism at international arena, the Prime Minister said, “It is important nowadays more than ever to strengthen our multilateral system, our multilateral framework and to respect international law and to create spaces of dialogue.
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He cited Expo 2020 Dubai as an example for a multilateral platform.
“And I think that with the two universal cultures and two universal languages such as the Arabic and Spanish, we can provide positive insights to these very challenging moments,” Sanchez said at the press conference.