The Spanish government is focused on preserving its cordial relationship with the United States against the backdrop of significant political changes, particularly with the recent reelection of President Donald Trump.

While explicitly refraining from mentioning Trump, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's rhetoric signals a clear response to the political landscape introduced by the new U.S. administration.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares underscored the importance of maintaining a collaborative approach, describing the bilateral relations as 'cordial.'

In light of impending tariffs that President Trump has indicated he may impose, Albares presented Spain's new Foreign Action Strategy for 2025-2028 during a recent Cabinet meeting.

This strategy, formulated to navigate the 'complex and changing' international context, reflects Spain's ambitions on the global stage, as Albares noted that the country enjoys its 'greatest international weight in history.' The strategy emphasizes several principles, including the defense of peace, adherence to international law, multilateralism, the European project, development cooperation, feminism, and democratic values, which are often at odds with Trump’s agenda.

Among the stated concerns in the new strategy is the potential 'economic coercion' that may result from U.S. tariffs.

Despite these threats, Albares reiterated Spain's commitment to nurturing ties with the U.S. 'We want to preserve a bilateral commercial relationship that is overwhelmingly beneficial for both parties,' he stated, while encouraging dialogue to address any commercial disagreements.

He also highlighted that the European Union possesses both 'the instruments and the political will to respond' to any economic pressures.

Albares has emphasized the importance of close, respectful relationships built on mutual benefit.

Sánchez has already held initial conversations with Trump following the latter’s reelection on November 12, and Albares met with U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine General Keith Kellogg at the Munich Security Conference on February 14. Additionally, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Diego Martínez Belío, engaged in a phone conversation with U.S. Undersecretary Christopher Landau last Friday, with Albares classifying these discussions as 'very cordial.' These interactions are framed within the context of the strong bilateral alliance between the two nations.

Albares remarked on the necessity of maintaining a robust transatlantic link, asserting that 'this is beneficial for both countries.' He affirmed Spain’s commitment to democratic values like pluralism and tolerance, indicating these principles remain non-negotiable.

Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, is scheduled to participate in a NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels, which Albares will also attend.

Although there is no forthcoming meeting scheduled between Sánchez and Trump, it is anticipated that their first face-to-face encounter may occur during the NATO summit planned for June in The Hague.