The King delivers Spain’s newest diplomats their credentials
In the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, H.M. the King encouraged the new class of diplomats to defend the interests of Spain.
November 13, 2014
MADRID
DIPLOMATIC SCHOOL
Today, H.M. King Felipe VI presided over the event for granting credentials to the 15 new Embassy secretaries of the 66th class graduating from the Diplomatic School.
In the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, H.M. the King encouraged the new class of diplomats to defend the interests of Spain “in an ever more complex, multipolar world in terms of economic and political affairs, as well as a more unpredictable one.” He mentioned that there will be new challenges and opportunities which require remaining highly alert in order to take advantage of them.”
According to King Felipe, the work which must be performed by these young diplomats should bear in mind that Spain’s foreign policy must be inspired by the “great principles and values laid down in the Spanish Constitution and shared by Spanish society as a whole.” As he reminded those present, these values include defending democracy, human rights, international law and the “will for solidarity,” which translates into development cooperation and aid for the disadvantaged, as well as “a decisive commitment to a world at peace” with “respect for diversity, the promotion of culture, environmental protection and sustainable development.”
In Spain, candidates gain access to the Diplomatic School through a competitive examination that consists of several oral and written exercises involving International Relations, Public and Private International Law, Development Cooperation, Economics, History and foreign languages. After passing the exam, the candidates’ training is completed at the Diplomatic School, where they undertake studies focused on diplomatic and consular practice.
At present, the Spanish Diplomatic Corps is made up of 807 diplomats, who work at 118 Embassies, 183 Consular Offices and 10 Permanent Representations before International Organizations which our country possesses abroad, or at the Ministry’s central services in Madrid.
Fotografía de familia de la LXVI Promoción de la Escuela Diplomática. FOTO EFE.