King of Spain affirms importance of Amir's Visit
Gulf Times
King Felipe VI of Spain
King Felipe VI of Spain welcomed His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al-Thani at the state dinner banquet hosted by him and Queen Letizia in honour of Their Highnesses at the Royal Palace today.
In a welcome speech, the King of Spain said: "It is an honor for me and the Queen to receive you and to welcome you and the important delegation that accompanies you on your first official visit to Spain," expressing his happiness for meeting the Amir at an important and meaningful timing, which is the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Qatar and Spain.
He stressed the importance of this visit in which it was decided to upgrade the distinguished relationship between the two countries to the level of a strategic partnership that looks forward to the future with a greater ambition.
He underlined that the relationship with the Arab countries is a fundamental pillar of the Spanish foreign policy, and it had important outcome, such as the Madrid Peace Conference in 1991 and the Euro-Mediterranean Conference in Barcelona in 1995. He noted that Spain wants in this context to strengthen its presence in the Gulf region and hopes to establish more stable and strategic ties that correspond to the increasing importance of this region in the world, in which he stressed that Qatar plays a major role.