Reafirms that Europe «is open to negotiations» and defends dialogue with China as it must be «a strategic partner»
MADRID, 15 (EUROPA PRESS)
The Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, has indicated that the United States wants to reach a negotiated agreement with the European Union, as conveyed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in their meeting in Washington this Tuesday.
«A clear message that Secretary Bessent has conveyed is that they want to reach an agreement with the main trade partners, including, of course, the European Union,» he stated to the media after his meeting with the U.S. Secretary.
In this regard, when asked if it is feasible to reach an agreement before the 90-day deadline set by the U.S. administration, the Minister pointed out that, following the meeting, it confirms «that open door to negotiation that was opened last week with the 90-day moratorium» regarding the tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
«We are convinced that, leading this negotiation by the European side, Commissioner Shevkovich, we will be able to reach an agreement that is balanced, fair, and beneficial for both parties,» Cuerpo explained, describing the meeting as a «very constructive and very useful» first contact to «continue maintaining relationships» and «thinking about those mutual interests.»
This is how the Minister of Economy expressed himself after a series of meetings with authorities, multilateral institutions, and business representatives from the United States, following the new tariff policy implemented by the Trump Administration and the warnings from the U.S. government to Spain for its approach to China.
Specifically, the meeting with Bessent, as confirmed by sources from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Business to Europa Press, falls within the usual relationship with their counterparts to strengthen ties with one of «the largest trade partners» for Spain.
In it, they discussed topics of interest for both countries in terms of economics, finance, and investment. In this regard, they pointed out that in the meeting — which was «positive» and «constructive» — Cuerpo and Bessent emphasized «the importance of working together» to «address common challenges.»
«CHINA IS A RIVAL BUT ALSO MUST BE A STRATEGIC PARTNER»
Also questioned about whether they discussed Bessent’s statements in which he indicated that greater alignment of Europe with China would be «cutting their own throats» and «a lost bet for Europeans,» Cuerpo responded that they did not, claiming that it was an «open and frank» conversation about all aspects of international economics.
«We had an open and frank conversation, and I would say very useful, about all aspects of international economics, including the relationships of both the United States and Spain and the European Union with some of the most important economic actors, including, of course, China,» he stated.
In this way, the Minister conveyed that the European Union’s agenda with China is a «clear» agenda because although it is «a rival» in many areas, it also has to be a «strategic partner,» and therefore, it is «important» to maintain dialogue with the Asian country.
EUROPE «IS OPEN TO NEGOTIATIONS»
According to official sources, the Minister reiterated the message of Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic, ensuring that Europe «maintains a position of unity» and «is open to constructive negotiations» to «find a solution» that «preserves the transatlantic relationship» with the United States.
Thus, the Minister emphasized the importance that the United States has for Europe and for Spain as a strategic partner, highlighting that the relationship with the American country is «the most relevant in the world» as it «encompasses about a third of all global trade.»
