Margarita Robles: "Spain's commitment to peace is unequivocal"

The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, during the videoconference held with the Spanish military deployed on missions abroad

The videoconference began in Lebanon with ET General Guillermo Pablo García del Barrio, whom the minister thanked for his work, stressing that "you are an example for everyone, and the living image of what the Spanish Armed Forces are, a force that is ready and a point of reference for the whole world, receiving words of recognition wherever you are. I hope that Lebanon can achieve peace through your work".

Margarita Robles stressed that Spain's commitment is unequivocal. It is a source of pride," she said, "to know that we can count on all the men and women of the Armed Forces to contribute to stability and peace in such a troubled world".

The minister also had a few words for the families of all those who are away. "Thanks to your support and affection, Spain is the great country it is," she said. She also paid tribute to those who have died in the line of duty, pointing out that "they will always be with us and will form part of this great family that is the Armed Forces".

Spain is currently present in 15 countries, with 3,743 deployed military personnel whose capacity, interoperability and experience have earned them first-rate international prestige, which has led to our country being responsible for the command of NATO, UN and EU missions.

Military missions abroad

The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, during the videoconference held with the Spanish military deployed on missions abroad

Lieutenant General Jose Antonio Agüero Martínez, head of the Operations Command, recalled that the first international mission of the Spanish Armed Forces was in 1991 in Iraqi Kurdistan to protect the Kurdish population from the actions of Saddam Hussein's army. Since then, there has been continuity in the participation of our military in international missions.

He said that "aside from displaying great preparation and professionalism, these missions have given us great prestige internationally and in Spanish society".

Spain currently has 3,743 military personnel deployed in various missions abroad, of whom 2,635 are from the ET, 570 from the Navy, 292 from the Air and Space Army, 62 from the common corps and 14 civil guards.

Of this current participation of our Armed Forces abroad, a total of 2,450 military personnel are on NATO missions, 671 on UN missions and 324 on EU missions, deployed in a total of 15 countries.

Of these international missions, Spain is currently leading UNIFIL in Lebanon, a NATO support mission in Iraq and an EU mission in Mali.

Non official translation