KUWAIT CITY, Oct 15: On the occasion of the National Day of Spain, the Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Miguel Moro Aguilar, talked about the depth of relations between the European Union and Kuwait.

Speaking on the occasion in the presence of Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Sadiq Marafi, and a large crowd of diplomats, citizens, and the Spanish community he reminded that Spain held the presidency of the Council of the European Union for a period of 6 months, and pointed to the principles, values and commonalities with Kuwait, as well as the smooth cooperation between Spain and Kuwait in international forums.

Spain is one of the oldest nation-states in the world, with more than five centuries of common, fruitful existence, a nation with deep historic links with the Spanish American countries and with some Asian and African ones as well. The result is a culturally rich, vibrant community of nations on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. I have to say that we, Spaniards, are very proud of those pages of our History and we vindicate their value and meaning.

“I emphasize the value of the EU-Kuwait relations in a moment that Spain, is holding hold the six-month Presidency of the Council, when we are trying to give an impulse to the EU-GCC and EU-Kuwait relations, with events such as the recent EU-GCC Ministerial Conference in Oman, the visit last week by the EU Special Envoy for the GCC to Kuwait, or the recent approval last September of some more open visa regulations to the Schengen area for Kuwaitis.

On the third anniversary of the proclamation as Amir of HH Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and of the Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Mishal, let me convey personally, and on behalf of my Government, our warmest congratulations, as well as our best wishes for Kuwait and the Kuwaiti people.

The Spanish envoy stressed that his country plays an active role in the global battle against climate change, and is ready to cooperate with Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries in confronting environmental challenges.

He also revealed that work is underway to activate the opening of a new air route to Barcelona within two weeks after Kuwait Airways officially opened last September its first direct flight between the two capitals in nearly 40 years, which is a real distinctive feature in our relations and will contribute significantly to boosting our already excellent tourism numbers.

He disclosed about 400 Spaniards live in Kuwait and work in the education, business, sports, health, and engineering sectors, and they contribute importantly to consolidating the relationship between our two peoples.

“We are glad to be marking this important day for all Spaniards and sharing it with our Kuwaiti friends and many of our country fellows, gathering together in this elegant Ballroom at the Saint Regis Hotel,” he said.

By Paul Francis X. Fernandes

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff