Council of Arab Ambassadors Reaffirms Support for Maintaining Casa Árabe at Its Current Headquarters

Statement by the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Madrid

The Council of Arab Ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Spain held a meeting today, Thursday, 23 July, with His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, Mr José Manuel Albares.

During this institutional meeting, the parties discussed a number of matters of mutual interest, foremost among them the future of the current headquarters of Casa Árabe in Madrid, as it constitutes one of the most prominent cultural and civilizational landmarks embodying the depth of the historical ties between the Arab world and Spain, while also serving as a fundamental platform for intercultural dialogue and the promotion of mutual understanding between both sides.

Their Excellencies the Ambassadors emphasized during the meeting the interest of the Arab countries in preserving Casa Árabe at its current headquarters, in view of its symbolic, cultural and historical value, as well as the significant role it has played since its establishment in promoting Arab culture and civilization and strengthening the channels of communication between the two peoples.

They also highlighted its contribution to supporting intercultural dialogue and consolidating the values of coexistence and openness, making it an essential destination for prominent Arab personalities visiting Madrid.

The Council of Arab Ambassadors stressed that the continued presence of Casa Árabe at its current headquarters would reflect a shared commitment to further building upon the excellent course of Arab-Spanish relations, which have witnessed remarkable development across various fields in recent years.

With several Arab countries, these relations have reached the level of a strategic partnership, reflecting the strength of the political, economic, cultural and human ties binding both sides.

The Ambassadors also expressed their appreciation to the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs for the understanding and interest shown regarding this matter, as well as for reaffirming the Spanish Government's commitment to ensuring the continuation of Casa Árabe's pioneering role as a leading institution in fostering dialogue and cultural exchange between Spain and the Arab world.

In the same context, the Council of Arab Ambassadors held a meeting yesterday with the Mayor of Madrid, Mr José Luis Martínez-Almeida, during which the importance of maintaining Casa Árabe at its current headquarters was underscored, considering it a distinguished cultural landmark and a symbol of the Arab presence in the Spanish capital, consistent with Madrid's position as a bridge of communication between Spain and the Arab world.

The Arab Ambassadors likewise affirmed during their meeting with the Mayor of Madrid the crucial role played by Casa Árabe in promoting dialogue between cultures, bringing peoples closer together, consolidating the values of understanding and coexistence, and strengthening relations between the city of Madrid and Arab capitals.

The Arab Ambassadors presented their position in favour of examining the possibility of maintaining Casa Árabe at its current headquarters, reaffirming their appreciation for the cultural role it plays and the added value it represents within the cultural landscape of the Spanish capital.

They further expressed their conviction that Madrid's commitment to the Arab world is strong and growing, reflecting the depth and intensity of Arab-Spanish relations.

They also expressed their willingness to continue dialogue and cooperation with the various stakeholders concerning the future of Casa Árabe's headquarters.

At the conclusion of the meeting, they expressed their expectation that consideration could be given to providing an alternative headquarters for Casa Árabe during the rehabilitation works of its current premises, as well as to the possibility of Casa Árabe returning to its present headquarters upon completion of those works.

The Council of Arab Ambassadors reiterates its confidence in the continuation of constructive cooperation with the Spanish authorities, both at the national and local levels, to ensure the preservation of Casa Árabe's cultural and civilizational role, reinforcing its mission as a space for dialogue and rapprochement between peoples and cultures, and projecting the historic and distinguished relations that unite the Arab countries and the Kingdom of Spain.

Unofficial translation