MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Sunday said improving ties with Mexico is a priority for his government after years of diplomatic tensions over Spain’s colonial past. Sanchez acknowledged the “light and shadow” in their shared history during an interview with El Pais daily, stressing that recognising both is key to building stronger relations. “I can guarantee that for Spain, normalising our relations with a country we consider very close is a priority,” he said.
The prime minister highlighted Mexico’s support for Spanish exiles after the 1936-39 civil war, noting the historic and cultural bonds between the two nations. Relations have been strained in recent years due to calls by Mexican leaders for an official apology from Spain for colonial-era abuses.
In response, Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares acknowledged the “pain and injustice” inflicted on Indigenous peoples during the Spanish conquest of the Americas. “There was injustice — it is only fair to recognise it today, and fair to regret it. Because that is also part of our shared history, and we cannot deny or forget it,” he added. — AFP
