On one hand, this day recalls the strong ties between Spain and Latin American countries; this special relationship acquires more relevance these days with the celebration of the bicentenary of the independence of the Latin American Republics, festivities of which are celebrated with the active collaboration of Spain. And on the other hand, the National Day is a reference for all Spanish citizens who live in Spain, an open, modern and democratic country.
Their majesties the king and the queen of Spain are the symbol of our unity, which also includes six million immigrants who have helped in the economic development of our country, considered as the tenth largest economy in the world.
In recent years Spain has witnessed a spectacular economic growth and its large multinational companies are present in all world markets. From a cultural perspective, Spain has created a culture, with a universal language, Spanish, spoken by over 450 million people and with a huge projection into the future.
In the field of sports, Spain is a country that has reached the highest summits in recent years: We recall the recent Football World Cup Championship and the success of our great tennis player Rafael Nadal or the Formula One driver Fernando Alonso. These successes are a reflection of a dynamic and competitive society. Likewise, we remain as an open country that receives every year many millions of tourists who enjoy its hospitality, culture, beaches and gastronomy.
Our presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is becoming more intense and is based on the brotherly, close relations between the two royal families. Our foreign policy is consistent with that of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the main issues that concern the world today, especially the peace process in the Middle East. The excellent relations between our two countries have developed into deep cooperation in diverse areas, channeled through numerous agreements — such as the Treaty of Friendship between the Kingdoms of Saudi Arabia and Spain and The General Agreement on Economic Cooperation. Also, I do not want to forget to mention the high exchange of visits at the highest level that has been occurring in recent years and that shows once again, the degree of understanding and cooperation between the two Kingdoms. The Prime Minister of Spain Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, made his latest visit to this country only a few months ago.
Spain is proud of having hosted in June 2008 an international meeting for presenting the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, the Interfaith Dialogue, that gathered representatives of major world religions. Similarly, we are especially proud of the high number of Saudis citizens who visit Spain every year, for leisure, cultural, education or business purposes. We are especially pleased to know that a large number of Saudi citizens own houses in our country, thus making Spain their second home.
There is a growing interest in establishing closer ties between enterprises of both countries and there is also a great interest in the Spanish language and culture. I would like, in this regard, to highlight the excellent work carried out by the Spanish Department at King Saud University.
In addition to this and in order to channel the interest, concern and affection for Spain there is an initiative, the Saudi-Spanish Friendship Association, where people interested in Spain would join forces and organize cultural activities, trips to Spain, gastronomic events and other activities in with the aim to better understand the Spanish reality. As Ambassador of Spain I want to encourage Saudi citizens to support the creation of this association and eventually join in.
Finally, I take the opportunity provided by the Arab News, on the occasion of the celebration of the National Day of Spain, to send my warmest greetings to all the Spanish residents in this Kingdom, who are collaborating with the development of Saudi Arabia through their personal efforts. Also, I would like to send my most affectionate salutation to all Saudi citizens and expatriates who have been showing their affection and support to my country.
