Speech by President of the Government at ceremony to present United States Senator Robert Menéndez with the Great Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic

Washington

Mr Senator, officials, ladies and gentlemen, friends,

On this, the occasion of my first official visit to Washington as President of the Government of Spain, it gives me great pleasure and is an honour to present Senator Robert (Bob) Menéndez with the Great Cross of Isabella the Catholic awarded by His Majesty the King on 10 January.

For the valuable work throughout his life and his profound political commitment, Senator Menéndez undoubtedly represents an unbeatable example of the hard work and tenacity of the Hispanic community in the United States. Moreover, his profile also embodies the continuity of the successful contribution of Hispanic culture to the development of this great nation; a contribution that, as the senator himself often recalls, dates back to the very origins of the country and encompasses both the institutional order, and the socio-cultural and economic order.

His passion for liberty is written in the very genetic essence of Senator Menéndez since that day when, in seeking a better future, his parents felt obliged to leave Cuba. His vocation for public service was awakened at an early age when, as a law student, he headed up a campaign to reform the public education system in New Jersey. Since then, education has been one of the priorities of his political work, firstly as Mayor of Union City, and later as a member of the legislature of New Jersey.

As a congressman he also became well-known for his defence and promotion of immigrant rights and, more specifically, for his particular sensitivity to the members of the Hispanic community.

In such an important post as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Menéndez has vigorously supported the strengthening of friendly relations between the United States and Spain; a commitment that has been particularly evident to everyone through his hard work at the head of the United States-Spain Council. This institution, comprised of major corporations, cultural and academic institutions, members of the public administrations and representatives of political parties, is a powerful instrument in drawing together the civil societies of our two countries in the understanding that it is precisely these ties between our citizens that maintain and help strengthen our official relations.

The role played by the Hispanic community at all tiers of North American political, economic and cultural life has been patently important in this proximity of our civil societies, which is something we should all welcome.

In this respect, for almost two decades the Government of Spain has been establishing ties with US citizens of Hispanic origin, with whom we share a common culture, language and values. The growing presence of Spaniards in the United States also helps strengthen these ties: in companies, in prestigious research centres and in all sectors of economic, commercial, educational and cultural life in this country.

In 2009, Senator Menéndez published the book, "Growing American roots: Why our nation will thrive as our largest minority flourishes". The title is a declaration of principles in itself which, from Spain, we can only perceive as an example of intelligence, sensitivity and political realism. It comes as no surprise that Senator Menéndez is committed to the integration of Hispanic legacy as a fundamental component of the American identity and patriotism that we so admire in Spain.

His promotion of this common heritage is the ideal seed for stepping up this sincere friendship in the future, without excluding any person or place, which for both the United States and for Spain, was set forth in the Treaty of San Lorenzo in the 18th Century.

The Great Cross of Isabella the Catholic that I today have the honour of bestowing on Senator Menéndez constitutes the maximum recognition by Spain of those Spanish and foreign citizens who, through their acts, have contributed in an extraordinary manner to fostering relations of friendship and cooperation between Spain and the rest of the international community.

By bestowing this award, that takes the name of the Queen who forged relations between the old world and the new, Spain seeks to thank the senator for his generous dedication to Spain and to the Hispanic community, as well as for his excellent work in favour of the development of ties that bind our two great nations.

Thank you very much.