“Spain is resolutely facing this historic moment, fully aware of the growing challenges to collective security. It is therefore important to strengthen multilateral cooperation between allies and with the European Union, promoting interoperability, sharing means and strengthening our political and operational alliances.”

The Delegate of the Government in Melilla, Sabrina Moh, has welcomed the participants to the meeting of the Assembly of Congressional and Senate Defense Parliamentarians, a meeting that is held in the city within the framework of the Mediterranean and Middle East Special Group and the Committee on Democracy and Security.

Moh, who has stressed that it is an honor to host this meeting on behalf of the Government of Spain and has thanked the parliamentarians for their presence, highlighting that their trip to Melilla, Europe’s southern border and gateway between continents, has indicated that this meeting reflects the commitment of the Atlantic Alliance to get to know the challenges and challenges in security, defense and foreign policy.

During her speech, the head of the Government Delegation recalled that Melilla, due to its geographical position and history, embodies many of the issues that occupy the international agenda, such as security at Europe’s external borders, the management of migratory flows from international cooperation or the need for resilience in the face of global threats.

Melilla, an example of coexistence

In this sense, he has claimed that the city is an example of coexistence, cultural diversity and openness to dialogue, in line with the spirit of cooperation that guides NATO and the European Union.

Moh has also pointed out the main security challenges facing Spain, such as the modernization of equipment, the reinforcement of technological capabilities and the improvement of infrastructures, also promoting the national defense industry and the development of dual technologies that generate qualified employment, territorial development and technological autonomy.

It also reaffirmed Spain’s active participation in NATO operations, its commitment to both the eastern and southern flanks and cooperation in the Mediterranean region, based on good neighbourliness and the contribution to global security.

The Delegate has also defended the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation between allies and with the European Union, in addition to integrating in the national strategy the defense against hybrid threats such as cybersecurity, disinformation, the protection of critical infrastructures and the effects of climate change.

“Spain is a responsible, supportive and firm ally, ready not only to talk about defense, but also to act with coherence, effectiveness and justice,” said Moh, who added that the government is investing proportionally to continue safeguarding everyone’s security.

Finally, he encouraged the participants to take advantage of these days of work as an opportunity to strengthen the cooperation, trust and unity that define NATO, and invited them to discover Melilla, “a hospitable, diverse and open city, which will undoubtedly enrich their stay”.