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The Spanish King visits the Danish Parliament

2023-11-07

On Tuesday 7 November as part of his first state visit to Denmark, King Felipe VI of Spain visited the Danish Parliament accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares Bueno.

The Presidium of the Danish Parliament received the King at the Grand Staircase of Christiansborg Palace and was escorted to the beautiful Conversation Room to meet both party leaders and group chairmen. 

In his speech, the Speaker of the Danish Parliament mentioned the values shared by Denmark and Spain, in particular emphasizing our membership of NATO and the European Union as well as our joint support of the Ukrainian struggle for freedom. On the domestic front, the Speaker also referred to our common focus on issues such as green transition, the fight against global warming and the renewal of energy supply infrastructure in both countries. 

On a personal note, Søren Gade mentioned his fondness for Majorca, a place he has visited several times and where he has hiked in the mountains.   

The Spanish King is a passionate supporter of the Spanish football club Atlético Madrid, which led Søren Gade to mention the two Danish footballers Jesper Grønkjær and Daniel Wass, who have both played for Atlético Madrid.

The Spanish King also delivered a short speech and subsequently had the opportunity of speaking to several parliamentary party leaders, group chairmen and committee chairmen.

After the conversation, the Spanish King signed the visitors' book of the Danish Parliament. As the visit drew to a close, the Speaker showed the different editions of the Constitutional Act of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Spanish King. 

(The spoken words matter)

Your Majesty, Foreign Minister, Excellences, ladies and gentlemen.

It is an honor and a privilege for me to welcome you to the Danish Parliament for your first state visit to Denmark.

As far as I understand, your visit has been in the making since 2014, when you were sworn in as the King of Spain. I am delighted that we have managed to get the visit of Your Majesty in place.

I warmly welcome you to Christiansborg Palace.

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For a Nordic like me, Spain is the epitome of sun, warmth, and beautiful nature. Mallorca has a special place in my heart. 

I have been there several times. I have hiked in the beautiful mountains on the island, and I have dined at restaurants with Michelin stars.

Like Your Majesty, I have a fervent interest in football. I know you support Atletico Madrid.

You may remember that two Danish football players have been under contract with Atletico Madrid. Jesper Grønkjær played for Atletico Madrid in 2005, and most recently Daniel Wass in 2022.

I will not blame Your Majesty, if you cannot remember Daniel Wass. He only played one game for Atletico Madrid. 

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Today our two nations are united in the EU and NATO.

We share the same values when it comes to the respect for human rights, freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

Our firm commitment in NATO and the EU has helped creating one of the longest peaceful and prosperous periods in European history.

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Unfortunately, war has returned to our continent with Russia’s illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.

We share serious concerns about the security situation in Europe. It is important that we continue to support Ukraine.

Likewise, we must also condemn the recent brutal terrorist attacks across Israel by Hamas. We strongly emphasize Israel’s right to self-defense in line with international law and international humanitarian law.

However, the current deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza is also of grave concern.

Therefore, we must work closely with regional partners to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need.

Spain and Denmark have both benefited politically and economically from the membership of the EU. Our countries share common goals in important policy areas in the EU.

For instance, green transition, the fight against global warming and renewal of our energy infrastructure.

The current Spanish EU-Presidency has been very successful when it comes to promoting some of these vital issues.

Let me also congratulate you and the Spanish Presidency with the important declaration that was adopted at the Conference in June in Leon to commemorate the International Day of Parliamentarism.

The bilateral economic relations between Denmark and Spain have never been better.

Spain is the eleventh largest supplier and tenth largest customer for Denmark. Both trade and investments between companies are growing on both sides.

This includes pharmaceuticals and health technology, but also sectors such as energy efficiency and green transition.

Spain is by far the most popular travel destination of the Danes. Many Danes have taken up permanent residence in Spain.

On the other hand, many young Spaniards have in recent years turned their eyes towards Denmark for education and jobs.

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Your Majesty

We truly value the contribution of the Spaniards in Denmark, and the hospitality of Spain towards the many Danes who have taken up permanent residence in Spain.

As stated in the Leon declaration on Parliamentarism: »We are at a crucial moment for the development and consolidation of democracy worldwide in the face of new challenges and threats«.

In times like this we need allies and strong advocates for democracy. I am happy that Spain and Denmark share a strong friendship and a strong belief in democracy.