"Our Mediterranean Diet-based food is enjoyed by people from all over the world", says Isabel García Tejerina

Isabel García Tejerina also explained that, "of the 65 million tourists who visit Spain every year, close on seven million come to enjoy our gastronomy".

The Spanish minister mentioned the Charter of Milan in her speech, stressing that "food is cultural heritage and, as such, should be defended and its origin valued".

Isabel García Tejerina went on to say that, above all, the recognition and defence of this heritage must be compatible with its fundamental purpose as a source of healthy nutrition to help feed the planet.

The importance of the Mediterranean diet

While speaking to the ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Angola, Ethiopia and Japan, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Environmental Affairs of Spain sought to highlight the importance of the Mediterranean Diet while encouraging everyone to visit the Spain Pavilion at Expo Milan as she is convinced that they will all be impressed.