Russia summoned Spain's ambassador to Moscow on Tuesday after acting Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell referred to the country as an "old enemy," the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Borrell told Spanish newspaper El Periodico last week: "Russia, our old enemy, is once again saying, 'here I am,' and has returned as a threat, and China is also presenting itself as a rival."
The ministry said Borrell's comment "damages the relations between Spain and Russia, the mutual perception of bilateral relations as friendly, based on a partnership and mutually-beneficial."
The Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed Russia's decision to summon the envoy and criticized it.
"Russia's reaction has surprised negatively. We believe they have overreacted, interpreting in a bilateral way some reflections over global geopolitics made from a European perspective," a Spanish Foreign Ministry official said.
Russia's relations with the West soured following the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, leading to a string of economic sanctions against Russian companies, banks and business people.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
