Spain and the United Kingdom sign a Strategic Bilateral Framework that strengthens economic, political and social cooperation between the two countries

The agreement provides for the creation of a common economic forum for investment and innovation opportunities. The two countries will collaborate on foreign and development policies, strengthen relations to make progress on climate policy and coordinate on security and defence.

10 Downing Street, London (United Kingdom)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, greet each other at 10 Downing Street (Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, have signed in London a Strategic Bilateral Framework which strengthens the ties between the two countries and deepens collaboration and cooperation on a wide range of issues, structured into seven sections: sustainable growth, foreign and development policy, relations between the two societies, climate and energy policy, European security and defence, judicial cooperation and migration, and transport.

In his meeting with Starmer prior to the signing of the Framework, President Sánchez highlighted the value of the agreement reached last June between the European Union, the United Kingdom and Spain on Gibraltar. He also stressed that the governments of both countries "are aligned on many policies; today we will be signing a very important bilateral agreement that will strengthen our collaboration on many issues, such as gender equality, sustainable development or the transition to green energy. We are also in perfect harmony when it comes to global debates such as climate change, or the terrible situation in Gaza".

Strengthening cooperation

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at Starmer's residence at 10 Downing Street| Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

On the economic front, the Framework proposes promoting sustainable growth, underpinned by a trade and investment partnership between Spain and the UK, to be developed through a new trade and investment dialogue. In this regard, an economic forum led by representatives of the two governments is envisaged to foster a favourable business environment and unlock new opportunities for investment and innovation.

The two countries also pledge to work together on their foreign and development policies, promoting a strengthened multilateral system and working for gender equality and the rights of women and girls. On security and defence, Spain and the UK agree to strengthen their cooperation to ensure Euro-Atlantic security, with particular reference to threats such as cybersecurity, terrorism and hybrid attacks, and reaffirm their commitment to developing a European defence industry. And in judicial cooperation, they commit to strengthening collaboration in the fight against cross-border crime, criminal and terrorist groups, drug and human trafficking and violence against women and girls.

In the area of climate, energy and green policy, the agreement includes the will to increase ambition in the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Both parties agree on the need to protect the marine environment, promote the circular economy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, accelerate the clean energy transition and focus on renewables.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, arrives at 10 Downing Street before meeting with the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer| Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

To deepen relations between the two societies, the Framework envisages expanding cooperation in areas such as tourism, education, art, media, sport and industry. In this regard, both parties are committed to cooperating to promote mobility opportunities for their citizens, protect their rights, facilitate access to universities, strengthen ties between different municipalities, increase the learning of Spanish and English and develop a new model of sustainable tourism based on innovation and digitisation. Finally, as world leaders in the transport sector, Spain and the UK are committed to ensuring the smooth flow of freight and passenger traffic.

The text also foresees that the heads of the two foreign ministries will hold an annual strategic dialogue to strengthen the partnership between the two countries, whereby they will ensure the implementation of this agreement and monitor progress.

Business meeting

In the framework of this official visit to the United Kingdom, a business round table will also be held on Wednesday with senior executives from major companies in both countries. The meeting, which will be chaired by the Spanish Minister for Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, and the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, will be attended by President Sánchez and Prime Minister Starmer.

Non official translation

More Info

• Aid from the Immediate Response, Reconstruction and Relaunching Plan

More news

Tags:

• Government of Spain
• Economy
• Climate change
• Defense
• Transports