Former Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos, who is currently United Nations Under-Secretary-General, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), has written to the Chief Minister to express his condolences on the passing of former Chief Secretary Ernest Montado CBE.

Mr Moratinos was Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation from 2004 to 2010, during which time, together with his team, he worked closely with Chief Minister Sir Peter Caruana and Mr Montado in the negotiations that concluded the Cordoba Agreements. In his letter, Mr Moratinos describes Ernest Montado’s contributions as significant and a testimony to his commitment to peace, diplomacy and international cooperation.

Mr Moratinos offered the consolation that Ernest’s loss is felt also by all those who had the honour of working with him in the common pursuit of a better future for all.

The Chief Minister and HM Government of Gibraltar could not agree more. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.