Robles says that NATO defends the territorial integrity of Spain, but there will be no mention of Ceuta and Melilla

MADRID, 28 (EUROPA PRESS)

The Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, has ruled out this Tuesday that the security of Ceuta and Melilla will be reinforced in writing at this NATO Summit because the strategic concept marks the general lines of action of the Alliance for the next ten years and it does not include the specificity of each one of the countries.

"The new strategic concept talks about the protection of the territorial integrity of each of the States. It is not necessary to go into detail to which territories it is applicable because territorial integrity is that", Robles transferred in an interview on Canal Sur , which has collected Europa Press.

The Minister of Defense has emphasized that these general lines are that each country is the "absolute" owner of its territory. Also, in statements to Telecinco, collected by Europa Press, the minister has made it clear that "the peculiarities of each of the countries will not be collected" and has slipped that if the Alliance works to protect the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine and other countries, "well, much more to the countries that are part of NATO".

Regarding the bilateral meeting between the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and his American counterpart, Joe Biden, he stated that relations between Spain and the United States are "very close at all times" although more will be seen today in that work meeting to be held at the Palacio de la Moncloa.

"Relations are permanent and today it will be seen in the photo, but contacts with the US are permanent in all areas. In the field of Defense they are daily and permanent," added the minister, who recalled that less than one month he was in the Pentagon with the US Secretary of Defense.

In relation to the adhesion of Sweden and Finland to the Atlantic Alliance, the minister has pointed out that it is a "possibility" that it be at this Summit, but "it is not yet certain". "If it wasn't at this Summit, it would be very soon," the minister assured.

In this sense, he stressed that countries like Sweden and Finland have realized that there is a "real threat". "Investing in security and defense is investing in peace, modernity and job creation. It is betting on the Spanish defense industry", she pointed out.

Robles has stressed the importance of this Summit that will highlight the "clear" unity of all the allies against Russia and will take a look at the southern flank. Likewise, he has valued the high number of partner countries that will attend the Summit in Madrid these days. "It is uncomfortable for the citizens of Madrid, but it highlights Spain's commitment to peace," he acknowledged.

Lastly, asked if the Ukrainian president, Volodímir Zelenski, will finally appear at the Summit, the minister pointed out that "everything seems to be wrong" and that representatives of his 'staff' will attend. Specifically, she has detailed that on Thursday afternoon she will meet with her main adviser.