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SPAIN has gone to great lengths in order to portray itself as a champion of multilateralism and cooperation, while also promoting dialogue during the 80th United Nations General Assembly this week.
Both Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister and Felipe VI, the King used the platform to emphasize the country’s unique identity as a nation that is rooted in the international law and human values.
In his address to the General Debate, King Felipe told world leaders that Spain’s ‘national identity’ is tied to cooperation and respect for rules, warning that the global order risks sliding back into a world governed by force rather than law.
He said that multilateralism was not an option, but rather the only way to build peace and resolve conflict.
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Sanchez reiterated the message at bilateral meetings. He insisted that Spain’s foreign policy is based on dialogue and collective safety, and that UN remains an indispensable forum to deal with the world’s overlapping crisis.
The Spanish monarch devoted much of his speech to the war in Gaza, describing the situation as a ‘massacre’ marked by ‘aberrant acts’ and calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access.
He used Spain’s Sephardic history to emphasize the moral weight of the country’s stance, saying that the conflict was a source of deep anguish due to Spain’s centuries old ties with Jewish heritage.
He also said that violence cannot continue, and the international community has a responsibility to act.
Felipe also turned to Gibraltar, hailing the recent UK–EU political agreement on the territory’s future as ‘historic’ and a guarantor of legal certainty for citizens and businesses.
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His remarks showed Madrid’s resolve to be a constructive European actor in the resolution of cross-border disputes.
Sanchez made headlines when he announced that Spain would dispatch a naval vessel to Cartagena, Spain, to escort Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid into Gaza.
In recent weeks, drones had targeted the flotilla, leading to calls for protection. Sanchez said that Spain would not allow civilians to risk their lives for the sake of delivering supplies.
The prime minister and President Zelensky met in Ukraine to discuss the situation on the front line, the peace process, and Kyiv’s progress towards EU Membership.
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Sanchez emphasized that any deal for peace must be rooted on international law and not reward aggression, territorial conquest or other forms of violence.
He reiterated Spain’s support for Ukraine in terms of both military and political matters and stressed the importance of unity among Western allies.
“You have my commitment – Spain will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary: ?”International law must prevail,” said the Spanish Prime Minister after the meeting.
In another meeting, Zelensky also met with the King of Spain, thanking it for its humanitarian assistance, economic support and military assistance.
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The Ukrainian leader highlighted Spain’s contribution to the support of displaced families as well as strengthening Kyiv’s defence.
Sanchez also used his UN platform, outside of bilateral meetings, to criticise Western governments for cutting aid spending and increasing defence expenditure.
He argued that the shift sends ‘the wrong message’ and undermines trust in global institutions.
Foreign minister José Manuel Albares reinforced Spain’s position on the Middle East, dismissing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration that a Palestinian state would never be recognised.
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Albares claimed that Madrid was committed to a solution of two states and such recognition is inevitable.
Spain also expressed its support for an UN-led stabilisation operation in Gaza, which is in line the initiatives supported France.
Spain’s interventions combined humanitarian appeals with diplomacy, projecting Spain not just as an European middle power but also as a country that values multilateralism.
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