Ukraine and the energy crisis mark the meeting of Albares with his Vatican counterpart

MADRID, 3 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, met this Monday with the Secretary of Relations with the States of the Holy See, Monsignor Paul Gallagher, with whom he addressed the war in Ukraine and the current energy crisis, among other issues.

The meeting took place in the Vatican and has allowed both to also address other issues of mutual interest such as the importance of multilateralism and the political situation in Latin America, as reported by Foreign Affairs in a statement.

Albares took the opportunity to explain to Monsignor Gallagher the measures that the EU has adopted against Vladimir Putin's regime in response to the invasion of Ukraine, as well as the Government's unanimous condemnation of both the mock consultation and the annexation of Ukrainian territories by part of Russia.

The minister also highlighted the fact that Spain has mobilized humanitarian aid worth 38 million euros for Ukraine and other neighboring countries, as well as the reception of Ukrainian refugees and the shipment of military material.

Both ministers have also had the opportunity to analyze the energy crisis resulting from the Russian invasion, which has allowed Albares to explain the energy saving measures adopted and recall that Spain is helping Central European countries with gas exports. According to Foreign Affairs, 10% of the natural gas that reaches the EU enters through Spain.

Lastly, Albares has also referred to the next rotating Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2023 and the priorities that the Executive has set for itself, as well as Spain's commitment to multilateralism.

According to Foreign Affairs, the minister has taken advantage of his trip to Rome to visit the progress of the works of the Chancellery of Spain, some dependencies attached to the Obra Pía de los Santos Lugares.