Defense Minister Prince Salman yesterday emphasized Saudi Arabia’s desire to strengthen its relations with Spain. He thanked the Spanish government for according a warm welcome to him and his delegation during his official visit to the country.

In a cable sent to his Spanish counterpart Pedro Morenes at the conclusion of his official visit, Prince Salman highlighted the deep-rooted relations between the two countries. Prince Salman began his private vacation yesterday.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency, Prince Salman said his visit to Spain was fruitful, adding that both countries would benefit from it. “I have conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to King Juan Carlos of Spain,” he said.

The defense minister said Saudi Arabia and Spain have identical views on all issues discussed during his meetings with King Carlos, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Defense Minister Morenes and Foreign Minister José Manuel.

“What makes our ties with Spain important is the close relationship between the two leaderships and peoples and we desire to strengthen these relations in all fields, especially defense, through visits and meetings of officials,” the minister said.

He said he was happy to visit Spain and wished greater progress and prosperity for Spanish people.

Earlier, he was seen off at the airport in Madrid by Prince Mansour bin Khaled, Saudi ambassador to Spain, Prince Faisal bin Salman, chairman of Saudi Research & Marketing Group, and Brig. Abdullah Al-Shammari, military attaché.

Prince Salman was accompanied by Prince Muhammad bin Salman, special adviser, as well as Prince Turki bin Salman, Prince Khaled bin Salman, Prince Naif bin Salman and Prince Bandar bin Salman.

Prince Salman arrived here Wednesday at the head of a high-level delegation. Morenes welcomed Prince Salman and his accompanying delegation and wished them a happy stay in Spain. "The visit of Prince Salman reflects the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Spain," the Spanish minister said.