Robles meets with female ambassadors accredited to Spain to discuss defence and security issues

The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, at the meeting with the Network of Women Ambassadors accredited in Spain

The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, today held a working meeting with the Network of Women Ambassadors accredited in Spain, in which they discussed aspects of defence and security at the present time and highlighted the importance of the role of women both in the armed forces and in diplomatic posts.

issues such as the war in Ukraine, NATO's important deterrent role and the Sahel were also discussed at the meeting. Furthermore, Minister Robles emphasised the need for women to play an important and fundamental role: "The fact that there are women in armies is very helpful in understanding conflict. An army with more women is more responsive to the needs of the people in-situ," she said.

The meeting was held at the residence of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Madrid, Maria Margarete Gosse, who highlighted the good collaboration and the "coincidence of values and ideas" between Spain and Germany.

The diplomat referred to the international "difficult situation" that has led to the collapse of the long-standing consensus on non-aggression among countries. "We have to defend ourselves more and be prepared. The situation is not like before and we want to develop all our possibilities to create a better and more peaceful world," she said.

In this regard, the Defence Minister stated that "it is necessary for us to continue in this community of values that is the EU and NATO", stressing that "investing in defence is investing in peace, freedom and security".

Robles also underlined the need for a ceasefire in the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, while recognising the Palestinian state, and called for "respect for African countries and their own decisions".

Non official translation