Spain’s New Foreign Minister Prioritizes Strengthening Ties with Morocco

Among his priorities, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs mentioned the need to "strengthen relations with Morocco, a great friend and neighbor to the South", without however referring to the open crisis with the kingdom. He also intends to work to "guarantee more security" and "fight against migratory flows".

To read: Spain Ousts Foreign Minister in Bid to Ease Tensions with Morocco

"I am one of you, a Foreign Service official," Albares told the ministry staff, stressing that "there is no greater honor for a Spaniard and a diplomat than to represent Spain abroad." The new minister did not fail to thank his predecessor, Arancha Gonzales Laya, for the work done "in very difficult circumstances." "If you allow me, I make you my advisor," he told her.

To read: Spain’s Foreign Minister Ousted Amid Diplomatic Crisis with Morocco

For her part, Laya, while wishing her successor good luck to whom she promised "loyalty and support", congratulated her collaborators for the "many achievements". She says she "assumes" responsibility for all the "mistakes" she may have made. "My role was to defend the interests of the country... I am leaving the post, but I remain firm in my commitment to public service," she added.

Several personalities, including Yolanda Díaz, the second vice president, Félix Bolaños, the new head of the presidency, Fernando Grande Marlaska, the Minister of the Interior, and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, the former head of government, were present at this handover ceremony which took place in the courtyard of the Palacio de Santa Cruz.