In speeches yesterday at Casa de America in Madrid and today in Barcelona, José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the summit between the European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) should lead to an official dialogue, between the two regions, that goes beyond the Spanish Presidency in the second half of the year.

On July 1, Spain will assume the leadership of the community block until December 31st. of this year, but an eventual change of government in the elections of July 23 raises many questions.

Latin America is “the most Euro-compatible region” in the world and, in this sense, Europe should see it as an important partner to face challenges such as climate change, immigration and democracy, Albares said.

The defense of our common values and principles of democracy, the desire for peace and the defense of an international order, based on rules unite both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, but Europe is also the leading investor, the leading donor and the third largest trading partner of Latin America, Albares remarked. jrr/jav/mgt/ft