The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has inaugurated the 30th Ibero-American Summit, which is taking place in Madrid on 4 and 5 November. During the opening ceremony at the Teatro Real, Sánchez highlighted the need to strengthen the links between Latin America and Europe to build a "stronger, more ambitious alliance with greater weight in the world."
Sánchez argued that, in contrast to those who advocate for isolation, both regions should enhance cooperation, build alliances, and jointly defend democracy, human rights, peace, and an international order based on rules. "A law that is the law of all, and not the law of the strongest," he stated.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Spain's commitment to fostering closer ties between the two regions and invited Latin American countries to intensify their relationships with the European Union. "A Europe more open to Latin America and the Caribbean will undoubtedly be a stronger Europe," he asserted, adding that a more connected Latin America and Caribbean would lead to a region "with more opportunities and greater capacity for influence."
Under the theme "Ibero-America. Together we build our Community. Together we project it towards the future and the world," the summit is attended by representatives from all Ibero-American countries, with thirteen at the highest level. Notable guests include UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Teresa Ribera, along with a group of observer countries.
Sánchez extended his hand to continue building bridges across the Atlantic for future generations, countering those who close off and raise walls. "We do not want a world of increasingly isolated countries. We want a world of increasingly united countries. And I can think of no better place than this Ibero-American community to start building it," he emphasised.
