The King Felipe VI has encouraged this Friday the 22 countries that make up the Ibero-American Community to focus “on what unites us” and overcome differences. that may arise. Preserving the consensus built in the three decades of summits, to continue “making Ibero-America” together.
In his speech at the plenary session of the XXIX Ibero-American Summit of Cuenca, in EcuadorFelipe VI wanted to to emphasize the “concrete, tangible results, with direct impact in the lives” of citizens that have taken place since the first forum of this type was held in 1991 in Guadalajara, Mexico. “We have built consensus that we must preserve, with advances in equality, solidarity and sustainability,” he defended. In addition, he highlights “the shared culture that is at the root” of the Ibero-American Summits.
The king has argued that “in the face of the discrepancies that may arise, natural in such a rich and prolonged relationship, let us remember that there is much more that unites us than what separates us”. In his opinion, the “greatness as a community consists in knowing how to overcome differences”.to continue to nurture our heritage, and to advance in our principles and convictions”.
The monarch has made a veiled reference to the absence of heads of state at this summit, in which only Spain and Portugal have been represented at this level, while no American leader has traveled to Ecuador. He points to the “difficulties encountered along the way, in a situation that is clearly complex” and also to the task that now lies ahead. Spain, which will host the next summit in 2026.
“We will exercise this high responsibility with the conviction of those who believe deeply in the road we have traveled,” he assured, stressing that Spain “also is aware of how much remains to be done“.
According to the King, “in these dizzying times in which we live, of great complexity for multilateralism, is when it is most necessary to redouble our efforts and to continue working to consolidate and strengthen the system, to deepen its scope and ambition”. In this regard, he claimed that “with each meeting we make Ibero-America”.encouraging to continue “in the virtuous endeavor and overcoming every challenge, every difficulty”. “Let us continue building Ibero-America,” he said.