The King claims the Spanish presence in missions abroad as a sign of Spain's commitment to peace

This Saturday, King Felipe VI defended Spain's participation in missions abroad, which project "stability", as "the best example" of Spain's commitment to international peace and security, within the framework of the instability generated by the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel and Hamas.

He did so during his speech at the Military Easter, held at the Royal Palace, where he stated that 2023 has been a "very demanding" period that has required the completion of "a long list of tasks" within the established strategic objectives. in international missions.

"Some important missions that represent a significant effort for our Armed Forces and Civil Guard," indicated the monarch, making special mention of the 3,000 men and women deployed in the 17 operations abroad in which Spain participates.

"The participation of the Spanish military in the reinforcement of NATO's deterrence and defense actions, with which they contribute to the security and protection of our allies on the European eastern flank, and the missions of the EU and the UN, with those that project stability in different geographical areas are the best example of Spain's commitment to international peace and security," he added, although without specifically mentioning Ukraine or Israel and Palestine.

On the other hand, he has praised the role of the Armed Forces in fulfilling "with determination, selflessness, effectiveness and dignity" their "mission" of helping to guarantee the security conditions necessary for Spaniards to enjoy their rights and freedoms within the framework constitutional, when the Magna Carta has turned 45 years old.

The monarch recalled the anniversary of the Constitution, which guides "the free and democratic path undertaken" by Spanish citizens. The dedication of the Armed Forces is "exemplary", as Felipe stressed, and "deserves all the respect and the highest recognition." "The defense of the framework of coexistence democratically chosen by the Spanish people is a living testimony of your commitment to society, and also of loyalty to our allies in the search for a safer and fairer world," he added.

In his speech at the Military Easter, the tenth that he has presided over since he acceded to the throne, Felipe VI, dressed in the uniform of the Navy, welcomed the presence of Princess Leonor, who is attending the event for the first time, and that the heiress has begun her military training. She is currently a Lady Cadet of the General Military Academy of Zaragoza.

Along these lines, he has conveyed the "enormous pride" that he and Queen Letizia have felt since Leonor swore the flag in October at the General Military Academy and has thanked his daughter, who was in uniform and wearing the decoration of Charles III.

Furthermore, he recalled that his first-born daughter swore the Constitution in Congress on October 31, coinciding with her coming of age. For the King, the oath constitutes a renewal of the Crown's "commitment to the freely and democratically undertaken path and to all the values, principles and rights established by the Constitution and which have since governed the lives of all Spaniards."

In paying tribute to the Armed Forces and the Civil Guard, Felipe VI also remembered those who have given their lives in the performance of their duty and wanted to highlight some of the actions that the Armed Forces, together with other public organizations and institutions, have faced, with a focus on natural disasters, inside and outside Spain.

Thus, he has mentioned the fires in La Palma and Tenerife, the floods in Madrid Toledo, Ciudad Real and Cuenca or the snowfall in Mallorca. He has also listed the earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco, the forest fires in Chile, Tunisia and Greece or the floods in Slovenia. "His contribution to the care and management of these emergencies has been vital," he added, emphasizing the "effectiveness and humanity" of the participants.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION

Felipe VI has also defended "the high level of demand" required in individual instruction and in the training and preparation of units. He has recalled his attendance at unit training or his participation in exercises, both national and international, and at the Zaragoza Military Hospital, among others.

"In all these cases I have verified the high level of training and operability of our units, made up of top-level military personnel," he explained, before praising that these men and women are "very qualified, have an undoubted vocation for service and a very high professionalism, framed in modern forces and units, prepared to carry out any task, no matter how demanding the scenario."

The event, in addition to starting the military year, allows us to take stock of the previous year and outline lines of action for the following twelve months. The event started at noon, with the arrival of the Kings to the Plaza la Almudena, where they were received by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez. Next, they were greeted by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, as well as the head of the Defense Staff (JEMAD), Admiral General Teodoro Esteban López Calderón. Likewise, the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and the heads of the three armies attended.

Next, honors were paid (national anthem and 21-gun salute) and Felipe VI reviewed. After that, the monarchs went inside the Royal Palace, where they greeted the around 200 guests in the Gasparini Saleta. Once the greeting was over, they moved to the Throne Room, where the King imposed 20 decorations.