On May 10, 2024, Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares convened in Washington D.C. to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on foreign state information manipulation.
Secretary Blinken began by expressing his pleasure at having José Manuel in Washington and acknowledged their close working relationship over the years. He highlighted the importance of the partnership between the United States and Spain across numerous issues that advance the interests of both nations' citizens.
Blinken noted that both countries are strong NATO allies working together in support of Ukraine against Russia's ongoing aggression, striving for peace in the Middle East, dealing with challenges posed by China, and addressing needs of global majority countries.
The MOU on foreign information manipulation signed that day was deemed significant as it addresses a considerable challenge not only for both countries but also for democracies worldwide. Blinken described propaganda, misinformation, and information manipulation as national security threats. Adversaries use these tactics to create or exploit divisions within and among countries, imperil election integrity, and undermine public trust in institutions.
This MOU aims to develop more resilient information systems and environments to counteract these threats. It forms part of a broader framework joined by over a dozen countries to effectively deal with misinformation and disinformation challenges. The framework seeks to strengthen each country's capacity to detect such misuse of information, develop strategies, support journalists and civil society who are on the frontlines of this fight, and bolster multilateral cooperation.
Foreign Minister Albares thanked Secretary Blinken for his hospitality and friendship before acknowledging the complex world in which Spain and the United States are allies. He stressed the importance of strengthening ties ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in July due to their crucial Euro-Atlantic relationship.
Albares commended Secretary Blinken's efforts along with those of the Biden administration in delivering a new financial aid package to Ukraine during its crucial time of need against Russian aggression. He also mentioned Spain's recent conclusion of negotiations with Ukraine on their bilateral security commitment.
Albares highlighted their shared progressive agenda encompassing multilateralism, gender equality, and LGTBIQ rights. He noted the importance of working groups advancing stability in the Sahel and Central America and fighting attempts to interfere in elections, particularly through disinformation in Spanish languages.
The MOU signing concluded with the moderator noting that it aimed to develop a shared understanding of the threat posed by foreign information manipulation. It aligns efforts along five key action areas which strengthen democratic societies and ensure a robust, resilient, and fact-based information environment.
