on Monday sent congratulations to Arancha Gonzalez over her appointment as new Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation of Spain.
An expert in international relations and trade with more than 20 years of professional experience, Arancha Gonzalez was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain on January 13, 2020.
A graduate in Law from the University of Navarre, with a PhD in European Law from the Carlos III University of Madrid, Ms. Gonzalez has extensive knowledge of international relations, trade and economics, and a long track-record in both public and private sectors, as well as in the management of multilateral organizations. Her mother tongue is Spanish; she also speaks English, French, German, and Italian.
Before holding the post of minister, Ms. Gonzalez was Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC) —the joint development agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO) from September 2013 to 12 January 2020.
Previously, Ms. Gonzalez held the post of Chief of Staff to the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Pascal Lamy, from 2005 to 2013. During her time at the WTO, she was heavily involved in setting up the initiative Aid for Trade and acted as the representative (Sherpa) of Mr. Lamy at the G-20.
Ms. Gonzalez held several posts at the European Commission, negotiating trade agreements with third countries and supporting developing countries in their efforts to promote trade and development. Between 2002 and 2004, she was the European Commission spokesperson for trade and an adviser to the European Union Commissioner for Trade.
Arancha Gonzalez began her career in the private sector as a partner at a law firm, advising companies on matters related to trade, competition and State aid.