Margarita Robles, on Spain's role in NATO: "We are a reliable partner. That is unquestionable"

The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, during her visit to the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers in Europe

In her address to the Spaniards who are stationed at the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers in Europe, the Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, reiterated "the great appreciation of the capabilities of the Spanish Armed Forces and the importance of our country's contribution to peace, within the framework of NATO missions, as is evident on the Eastern Flank".

Spain enjoys an excellent reputation among allies, "thanks to the professionalism and great work being done by our military in the various missions in which they are deployed, which makes us one of the most committed and reliable partners in terms of deterrence and defence".

During her visit, Robles had the opportunity to exchange views on the global geopolitical situation with some of NATO's partners. In this context, the Minister for Defence emphasised two ideas. First, the total and absolute commitment to the Alliance and the importance of collaboration, and second, the aid to Ukraine that "will continue, on our part, because defending Ukraine is defending peace and the values on which the EU is founded".

On this point, she recalled Spain's contribution to the EUMAM mission, which has already trained nearly 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers, who have been "taught defence and health techniques, among others".

During her meeting with the Chief of Staff of General Headquarters, German General Markus Laubenthal, the minister also raised the matter of some of the current risks, such as the presence and expansion of third countries in Africa. This is a concern shared by many countries, especially in the southern neighbourhood.

Robles was accompanied by the permanent representative ambassador to NATO, Federico Torres, the Spanish military representative to the NATO Military Committee, Admiral José María Núñez, and the Secretary General for Defence Policy, Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez Núñez.

Non official translation