Another area to which Spanish foreign policy devotes special attention is the Mediterranean.

At the same time as relations with the various coastal States of the Medieterranean were being intensified, Spain established diplomatic relations with Israel (17-1-86) and Albania (12-9-86) and raised the status of the PLO representation in Madrid. On this issue, the Government has repeatedly expressed its support for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people as a basis for a just solution to the conflict and the right of Israel to live within secure frontiers. The traditional good relations with the Arab world have been consolidated and intensified. Thus, Spain has at all times supported the holding of a Peace Conference on the Middle East, which was hosted in Madrid in October 1991.

With regard to the crisis and conflict arising over Iraq's aggression against Kuwait, Spain joined in the international condemnation of Iraq and the embargo ordered by the United Nations, and collaborated with the multilateral force, through the West European Union.

Particularly important in this area are the relations with the North African countries, especially the Maghreb. This has made it possible to begin a period of co-operation in maritime relations. In 1991, a Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation was signed and in the Western Sahara dispute, the Spanish government has expressed its support for the peace plan proposed by the UN.

With regard to Equatorial Guinea, Spain has a special commitment to the country's democratization and development.