Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain
07/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/01/2026 13:24
Albares calls for stronger relationship between OECD and Latin America and Caribbean to tackle global challenges
PRESS RELEASE 108
Albares calls for stronger relationship between OECD and Latin America and Caribbean to tackle global challenges
- Madrid has hosted the Ministerial Dialogue, which aims to give political impetus to relations between the OECD and this strategic region
- Under the title "Mutual benefits of a revitalized, strategic partnership in the new geopolitical context", 66 delegations from countries and international organisations have come together
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On the sidelines of the meeting, the minister held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Jamaica, Haiti, Nicaragua and El Salvador
Today
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, chaired the OECD-Latin America and the Caribbean Ministerial Dialogue in Madrid this Wednesday, alongside the organisation's Secretary-General, Mathias Cormann. The meeting, which brought together delegations from 52 countries and 14 multilateral organisations, sought to give political impetus to the relationship between both parties, examine mutual benefits and reflect on the organisation's contribution to the region's future.
"In this polarised world, this community of shared interests and values is of immense strategic importance, because it enables us to move towards shared leadership. That is why we are here in Madrid today: because we believe that strengthening the relationship between the OECD and Latin America and the Caribbean is not merely a regional issue, but one of truly global significance," said the minister.
"That is why we are here in Madrid today: because we believe that strengthening the relationship between the OECD and Latin America and the Caribbean is not merely a regional issue, but one of truly global significance," said the minister in his opening address at the meeting.
The meeting included two ministerial-level sessions: the first, entitled "Revitalising a Mutually Beneficial and Strategic Alliance in the New Geopolitical Context", and the second, "Shaping the vision of a foreseeable and desirable future: a LAC region with increasing better policies and a more Latin American OECD".
OECD Regional Programme
This Ministerial Dialogue, held as part of the celebrations marking the tenth anniversary of the OECD's Regional Programme for the region, has provided an opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved over this decade of cooperation and to confirm that the relationship between the two parties is, in the minister's words, "going through one of the most dynamic and promising periods in its history".
Priorities for the future have also been set, so that in the coming decades this partnership can move from shared values and interests to shared leadership in support of effective multilateralism, and contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future worldwide through economic and development cooperation.
Partnership of equals
The OECD's 2025 Strategic Framework for Latin America and the Caribbean, and its recently approved Implementation Plan, recognise the region's strategic importance and reaffirm the organisation's commitment to a revitalised and strengthened partnership with the region, understood as a partnership of equals, driven by common interests and mutual benefits.
However, the discussions have also highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation in emerging areas that will prove decisive, such as economic security, the energy transition, digital and physical connectivity, and the blue economy, amongst others. Furthermore, the importance of continuing to strengthen regional integration processes has been emphasised.
"Spain will remain fully committed to this objective. We will continue to strengthen the bridges between Europe, the OECD and Latin America and the Caribbean. We will continue to champion a vision of the world based on cooperation, dialogue and respect for international law. And we will continue to work to ensure that this strategic partnership contributes to building a more prosperous, sustainable and fairer world," the minister concluded at the closing session.
Bilateral meetings
During the day, and on the fringes of the Ministerial Dialogue, the minister held bilateral meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Kamina Johnson; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs of Haiti, Raïna Forbin; the co-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Denis Moncada; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, Alexandra Hill Tinoco.
During the meetings, the ministers reviewed bilateral relations and the forthcoming Ibero-American Summit in Madrid, due to take place in November, amongst other issues.
-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-
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