Albares calls on EU partners to protect the universal principles of the United Nations Charter

Albares also asked for clarity on the day of the vote. He also defended Spain's commitment to multilateralism and international law, in particular the universal principles of the United Nations Charter.

Albares emphasised the European responsibility to protect these universal principles, which are also linked to European history and identity. The Spanish minister warned his European counterparts that multilateralism and international law are in danger. He offered clear examples such as Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the unbearable situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the unacceptable attack on Qatar.

In view of this situation, Albares called on European partners to stand firm in defence of the international order by demonstrating that the EU is a truly global player. And he called for a consistent application of international law, to make clear to our Global Partners that we are referring to universal norms and values, including the principles of the UN Charter and human rights, and that we all have a common interest in preserving them.

Albares also stressed that if we want to talk about international law, including international humanitarian law, we must be firm in condemning violations wherever they occur. In his view, it should be clear that we stand for the same principles and values in all scenarios, from Ukraine to Gaza, also including Qatar when it has been attacked.

At the same time, he called for coherence in EU actions, contrasting united and determined action in response to Russian aggression with an inability to agree on measures in response to Israel's human rights violations. "We must be aware that the lack of political will to act in Gaza does not strengthen the EU as a global actor, but quite the opposite," he warned.

UN Anniversary

Before participating in this meeting, Albares began his agenda by attending the ceremony commemorating the eightieth anniversary of the UN, which marked the official start of this High-Level Week, which brings together the main representatives of world diplomacy.

After accompanying the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, during his participation in the Conference on the implementation of the two-state solution, Albares concluded the day by participating in various bilateral meetings, including a meeting with the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, with the President of the Government of Spain.

Water diplomacy

Also on the minister's agenda during this first day was an event on Water Diplomacy, in which he warned that water is a source of life, but also a source of potential conflicts if it is not managed with a shared vision. For this reason, he considered the role of the UN in promoting fair and sustainable governance of this resource to be "essential".

Non official translation