Mariano Rajoy says that Spain has much to offer in the fight against hunger and malnutrition around the world

Milan Expo, Milan (Italy)

The President of the Government defended the ideal enshrined by the universal exhibitions such as that of Milan. Since the mid-19th century, he said, "they have helped create a more intercommunicated world that is more tolerant, more cosmopolitan and therefore more prosperous." These events, he added, show that "development and progress are only possible within a context of cooperation and concord".

The Spanish Pavilion at Expo Milan 2015

For the President of the Government, Spain must be present in the Milan Expo "for reasons of conviction and coherence" with its track record. He also highlighted the success of the show and congratulated the Italian authorities for having prepared "a project as ambitious in its content as it is a model in organisation and execution".

Mariano Rajoy described the Spanish pavilion in Milan as "a real Spanish home", showing a country "that opens up its doors because we want to know you and we want you to know us better." As well as thanking everyone who has made the pavilion possible, he explained that it "has been built on the foundations of a clear example of Spanish talent, an architecture that emerges from this cross-current of genius that flows between Madrid and Barcelona."

"Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life"

Mariano Rajoy referred in particular to the theme of Expo 2015, insisting that Spain has a great deal to offer in this debate in which the stakes for global society are high. Key issues include food security, innovation to feed the planet, sustainable environmental development, the implications of diet on health and the economic impact of the food industry.

The President of the Government stressed that agriculture is a strategic sector, as highlighted by the Millennium Goals subscribed by the members of the United Nations. The first of these, he stressed is "to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger". And he added, "the experience and practice accumulated by Spain in this area can make for a positive contribution."

The Spanish food industry, cutting-edge and competitive

Pool MoncloaMariano Rajoy said that Spain has a food industry that is "more cutting-edge and competitive than most" and a leader in many areas. For example, it is the biggest producer and exporter of wine and olive oil in the world, as well as also heading the list of exporters of fruit and vegetables.

The Spanish food industry is "as competitive as it is efficient", and accounts for 8.4% of Spain's GDP. "It is a key driver of job creation, which following the crisis is breaking all-time records in Spain." He clarified that the boost from the Spanish food industry has in turn been driven by innovation.

The President of the Government praised the "excellence" of Spanish raw materials, and recalled that they are a fundamental part of the Mediterranean diet, whose importance was acknowledged by UNESCO in 2010 through its recognition as part of the world's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The fight against hunger and malnutrition

It is for the above reasons, explained the President of the Government, that Spain has a great deal to say in the fight against hunger and malnutrition affecting over 800 million people around the world: "They can count on Spain to help achieve this great goal. We have the knowledge and we have the experience and we want to make them available to everyone. The world must generate food for all the people, wherever they live, and today we know that it is possible to do so".

Rajoy recalled that Spain is the ninth biggest contributor to the FAO and fully supports the United Nations' World Food Programme. "My country's work as an international player in the area of food cooperation is an effort that is as substantial as it is prolonged over time".