President Gustavo Petro was received with honor by King Felipe VI of Spain

This Wednesday, May 3, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia received the Colombian president at the Royal Palace of Madrid, so the importance of Spain is clearly given to the Colombian president’s visit.

The relationship between the two countries is strategic and for this reason President Petro is advancing this state visit which will be the only one in the year 2023.

When he arrived at the Royal Palace, the Spanish monarchy received Petro in the Plaza de la Armería and there was a greeting from the delegations of the two countries.

Before the scheduled lunch, King Felipe VI and President Petro will offer a few speeches that will be broadcast on public television so that the Spanish people can witness this state visit.

The Colombian President indicated that the expectations regarding this trip to Spain are focused on the fact that this country will take the presidency of the European Union and that this will be fundamental for Colombia.

“Then this meeting is with Europe, a summit planned between Celac, which is the entity that brings together the countries of Latin America, and the European Union. This has not been done for a long time and can generate a path of stronger relations between Europe and Latin America”. Peter said.

President Petro says that the idea is to build a bridge and he will talk about it with the Spanish authorities. “We will propose some issues that obviously have to do with a new type of investment in Latin America.”

President Gustavo Petro at the Royal Palace of Madrid. – Photo: Presidency of the Republic

After being at the Royal Palace in Madrid, President Petro will go to the Congress of Deputies, where a speech by the Colombian president is expected.

The President of Congress, Meritxell Batet, and the President of the Senate, Ander Gil, will be responsible for receiving President Petro.

However, Vox’s spokesman in Congress, Iván Espinosa, says that his party will not participate in this session, considering that this tribute should not be paid to the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro.

From Vox, he assures that President Petro is part of a strategy of the left in Latin America to spread “desolation and misery throughout the region.”

At the door of the official residence, facing the cathedral of Almudena, and after a street of honor formed by the cavalry of the royal escort, the King of Spain was waiting for the Colombian delegation.

President Gustavo Petro and King Felipe VI, are visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid. – Photo: Presidency of the Republic

During the reception ceremony, the national anthems of Colombia and Spain were interpreted, to the salute of cannon shots, and President Petro and King Felipe VI reviewed the Royal Guard battalion that gave honor.

After that, the King of Spain presented the President to the members of the Executive, in a line led by the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez.

In turn, President Petro introduced his entourage to King Felipe, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Álvaro Leyva Durán; the Colombian ambassador to Spain, Eduardo Ávila Navarrete; the head of the Presidential Office, Laura Sarabia; and the Minister of Mines and Energy, Irene Vélez; Trade, Industry and Tourism, Germán Umaña Mendoza, and Education, Aurora Vergara Figueroa.

Finally, King Felipe and Letizia presented gifts from different Colombian cultures, such as a sombrero vueltiao, a vase and cufflinks.