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New Permanent Observer of Spain to the OAS Presents Credentials to the Secretary General

Ambassador Jorge Hevia Sierra, Spain's new Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States (OAS), today presented his credentials to the Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, emphasizing the "special commitment" of the Spanish government to the hemispheric organization.

In his address to delegates of member countries and OAS officials, Ambassador Hevia Sierra said that "in the second half of the twentieth century, international organizations contributed to a major change in the international order. With their activity, they have become protagonists and have played a key role in the transformation of the global political landscape."

During the ceremony, held at the OAS headquarters in Washington DC, the Spanish diplomat recalled that the OAS is "the regional and multilateral forum par excellence," which, together with the important relationships that Spain maintains with every country in the hemisphere, makes the contact with the OAS “ideal” for the foreign policy of his country. "Our interest in the region stems from our commitment and involvement with Iberoamerica which represents a priority of our foreign policy, and that is based on a relationship of equality, and preceded by our mutual appreciation. We must add that we maintain a privileged relationship with the countries of North America with whom we share interests and principles and a desire to deepen our relationship with the Caribbean countries to integrate them in a very active way and with a relevant role into the general whole of our policies in the Americas."

The new Permanent Observer pointed out that cooperation between his country and the OAS dates back to 1972, when Spain was the first country outside the region to be accredited as a permanent observer to the hemispheric body, and noted that since 1998 this collaboration was strengthened with the signing of the agreement with the Spanish International Cooperation Agency and the creation of the Spanish Fund in the OAS. "Since 2006 Spain has contributed $50 million to the Organization, this is clear proof of our commitment to it," said Ambassador Hevia.

In welcoming the new Spanish representative, Secretary General Insulza recalled that the OAS, with its association with Spain, was the first organization that established a category for observers and since then the European country "has committed itself to support us on issues we decide to work on together, with very fruitful results."

"This work has been essential for us at all levels, having a very broad agenda in which we have established a multi-year programming system that allows us to set goals and long-term priorities," said the head of the hemispheric organization, who also added that Spain "has not only been a key member of our organization, but it has also helped us to establish effective working procedures for assistance through specific funds."

The OAS Secretary General also expressed that "we have come a long way together, and especially in recent decades when cooperation has been intensified, as Spain set a determined and sustained relationship with our region," and concluded by proposing that the next General Assembly of the Organization, to be held from June 3rd to 5th in Cochabamba, Bolivia, " be an opportunity to renew our ties of cooperation."

A gallery of photos of the event is available here.

For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org.

Reference: E-110/12