Andalusia today, for instance, represents the meeting point at which new gathering can be

convened on the course of cooperation in her arts, cultural and scientific fields. In addition, it opens
new doors for work and hope before the peoples on the northern and southern coasts of the
Mediterranean Sea. With this spirit, a few years ago, Spain hosted the Mid-East peace Conference
in which the conflicting parties after over 40 years of enmity sat around one table. On this basis,
the Madrid Conference is considered to be a qualitative change in the history of diplomacy in the
Mid-East. The conference is still continuing its sessions today in the form of bilateral or multilateral
talks. My country is still following up its efforts in supporting the rapprochement between the
concerned parties with the aim of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in this unstable
region.
The Andalusians today are our Muslim citizens who from a part of living in freedom and
with respect for their beliefs. They are treated on a par with the other citizens in a democratic
country and have impressed their King for their contribution in the joint effort and solidarity. We
bear the sorrow of mankind regarding those who emigrate due to need, thus risking their lives and
finally on many occasions leading to a marginal life for persons who do not aspire toward anything
but a better life for themselves and their children. Therefore, we thank the efforts being exerted to
control this problem. At the same time, we are continuing efforts toward creating more European
concern toward our neighbors in the South, for whom I repeat our desire to work with in serving a
better world for all.
Andalusia today -allow me to use this paradox- is an example of what it was in the past
taking into consideration, besides complete absence of racial and religious discrimination, respect
for human rights and deepest beliefs. It is this spirit that we want to fruition today in the face of
fanaticism rejecting dialogue and emanating from particular ideologies resulting from social,
economic and political discontent which emerged recently in an extremely violent fashion.
Therefore, Andalusia today should be a project for the future based on recognition of the ties
which united us in the past, particular those that we desire to boost in order to make joint Euro-
Arab accomplishments as peoples looking ahead with a positive spirit and confidence in the
capability of their societies to face the numerous challenges of our present world.