The international community faces great challenges this year

USPA NEWS - "The international community faces great challenges in the year has begun", said Wednesday, January 21, King Philip VI during the traditional reception for the ambassadors of countries with diplomatic representation in Spain.

Accompanied by Queen Letizia and in the presence of Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, King began his speech broadcasting "a message of firmness in the defense of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms. A message of rejection and contempt terrorism, that criminal violence and so contrary to basic human values, law and justice, democracy and the peaceful and respectful coexistence".

Philip VI noted that this message is "also solidarity and condolences to the families and nations, in the last year, have suffered the terrible and painful effects of this inhuman scourge: terrorism; whose purpose is simply to subject the world to its perverse and monolithic vision; and whose enemies are the democratic convictions, the freedom in being, in feeling, in believing and wanting ".

"But against barbarism, and despite the barbarism" said the king, "also began this year renewing our hope. A hope based on our conviction that the face of terror and fanaticism there is only one possible answer: the relentless force of reason exercised in freedom, under the rule of law, and respect for the dignity and rights of all persons. And that prevail and will prevail, no doubt about hate and evil".

In his speech, the king of Spain stated that "the international community faces great challenges in the year has begun. The unstoppable advance of globalization in which our world is immersed affects every day to everything we do, and while always offers great opportunities, it also presents significant challenges. But the biggest challenge is to cooperate more; share more breakthroughs and collaborate better to overcome the problems“.

"Many countries suffer the consequences of the economic crisis, with its consequent greater inequality, unemployment and poverty," said the monarch. "But we know that can implement effective, gradual and equitable measures to overcome obstacles, both within our societies and in the international arena. Its purpose must be to achieve a model of sustainable, inclusive and in harmony with the environment development“.

The crisis, he added, "has undergone the process of European integration to large stresses, undermining the confidence of many in the force and the projection of this project. Against these doubts only one answer, which is almost unanimous in the case of Spanish society: more Europe; ie more deepening of European integration. Despite the difficulties, Europe moves. Has completed the Banking Union, Europe has reaffirmed its leading position in combating the effects of climate change, and have launched worthwhile initiatives, but not sufficient in terms of youth employment, education or social integration".

The king did not obviated the most important issues in Europe today. "The crisis in Ukraine represents a serious challenge, we have to solve preserving the territorial integrity of the country. Integral to this that our relations with Russia to return to the trust and mutual respect, safeguarding our respective interests and building a space always possible, shared security".

"Last year we had occasion to advance the recovery and the momentum of Hispanic dimension" of Canada, "whose birth as an independent nation was instrumental Spain. As the United States rediscover that common past, part of their identity, consolidates a present and moving towards a future in which the weight of the Hispanic in all aspects of your reality is increasingly palpable and most promising . This year we approach the negotiation and the possible closure of the agreement between the US and the EU. Spain supports, firmly and hope that agreement can create the commercial space world's largest investment, with obvious implications in other key areas of the planet“.

Spain said Philip VI, "is strongly involved in the resolution of conflicts in Libya and Syria. It is also committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq; and his new government in combating the terrorist threat. Following the request of the Iraqi government, Spain will contribute precisely to strengthen the armed forces of this country with a contingent of 300 troops dedicated to their education and training".

As a new non-permanent member of the Security Council of the UN, the king said that Spain defends "un Security Council open debate, to expand its sources, incorporate different sensitivities and take the work and knowledge of the whole system United Nations. Listen to all its members on matters dealt with by the Council and in particular those with an interest or special sensitivity. Contribute to our best abilities to the maintenance of international peace and security; disarmament and non-proliferation; the fight against terrorism; to the promotion of human rights, gender equality and strengthening preventive diplomacy".