The Secretary-General of the Flanders Department of Foreign Affairs has taken note of the verbal note issued by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 16 October. In it, the dissolution of the diplomatic immunity and accreditation of the General Representative of the Government of Flanders in Madrid was notified.
After consultation with the Minister-president of the Government of Flanders, the secretary-general immediately recalls the General Representative in Madrid to Brussels for consultation. The consultation must clarify the practical consequences of this Spanish demarche and examine the possible implications for the operation of the Flemish representation in Spain - and the realization of its plans and goals.
The department will also start a dialogue with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and appeal to the cooperation agreement concluded in 1995 between the federal government and the federated states on the statute of the representatives of the federated states on diplomatic missions. This agreement - and especially the cooperation model within - is preferably defended jointly by the federal government and the federated states with respect to third countries.
After consultation with the Minister-President, it will be determined which choices are required in connection to the organization of the representation and the protection of the interests of Flanders in Spain.
The department commits itself to continue investing in good relations and cooperation with the Spanish authorities.
