President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine arrived in Spain on Monday for a series of official meetings. He was received by King Felipe VI at Madrid-Barajas airport, a gesture that is unusual for a foreign leader. After that, he headed to La Moncloa Palace to meet with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and sign a bilateral security agreement. The two leaders then held a joint press conference to address the media.
Following his meeting with the Prime Minister, Zelensky met with King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace, where a lunch in his honor was scheduled. The King delivered a speech during the lunch. Later in the afternoon, the Ukrainian President visited the Spanish Parliament and met with the Presidents of the Congress and the Senate. He also signed the Book of Honor at the Palacio de las Cortes and met with various government officials and the Ukrainian Ambassador to Spain. Lastly, he met with the spokespersons of the parliamentary groups in both chambers.
The visit of President Zelensky to Spain was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in the areas of security and political cooperation. The signing of a security agreement between Ukraine and Spain was a significant step in this direction. The meetings with the King, the Prime Minister, and the parliamentary leaders were also important in discussing various issues of mutual interest and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
The presence of King Felipe VI at the airport to receive President Zelensky highlighted the significance of the visit and reflected the warm relations between the two countries. The lunch hosted by the King in honor of the Ukrainian President was another symbol of the friendship between Spain and Ukraine. The signing of the Book of Honor and the meetings with government officials further emphasized the commitment of both countries to strengthening their partnership.
Overall, President Zelensky’s visit to Spain was a productive and successful one, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in various areas. The discussions and agreements reached during the visit are expected to pave the way for closer ties between Ukraine and Spain in the future. The warm reception and hospitality extended to the Ukrainian President during his stay in Spain also underscored the strong bond between the two nations.