Ibero-American Summit: King Felipe VI urges unity against blocs and rivalry

At the XXX Ibero-American Summit in Madrid, King Felipe VI said the community is "the counterpoint to a time marked by blocks, fronts, and rivalry," while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for unity against "recession and unilateralism." Argentine President Javier Milei equated democratic socialism with fascism in front of Sánchez, who greeted him coldly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced that Russia is sending kidnapped Ukrainian children to fight in the war, stating "this is perverse" and must end. Sánchez affirmed support for Ukraine, arguing Putin wants to "weaken the foundations of the European project." The summit brought together 22 delegations, with Honduras assuming the pro tempore secretariat until 2028. Foreign ministers from Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Uruguay, and Nicaragua condemned the US blockade of Cuba, though divisions prevented explicit mention in the final declaration. Leaders also expressed condolences for 69 victims of a recent Spanish train accident. Queen Letizia urged eradicating human trafficking for sexual exploitation.