It is an honor and a pleasure to be in touch with the readers of “Arab News” on the occasion of Spain’s National Day.
It is indeed a special one: Our National Day does not commemorate a feat of arms, but brings to our memory the day Columbus, commanding three Spanish sailing vessels, discovered to Europe what was later on known as The Americas.
So we commemorate a meeting of two worlds, Europe and America, that was to change forever the lives of our citizens.
This happened more than five centuries ago, in 1492. And from then on, the relationship between Spain and the Americas, especially with the Spanish-speaking countries at the other side of the Atlantic, has become one of the main pillars of our foreign policy.
But another main pillar of that policy is our relationship with the Arab world. For the better part of eight centuries the life of my fellow Spaniards was deeply involved in Arab culture, customs and traditions.
Spain is proud of its Arab heritage. And we will use all the advantages of this common heritage to foster the very deep relationship that binds us to the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia is now, more than ever, an essential actor in the quest for stability, development and justice in the region. I hope that my country will prove to be an important partner in that endeavor.
Please allow me to thank the authorities of this great country and all the “Arab News” readers for their warmth towards Spain, with my personal wishes for health and happiness to all.
And, finally, let me congratulate all my compatriots in the Kingdom on such an important day for Spaniards around the globe.