Official working visit to the United States of America
"I am absolutely convinced that 2014 will see jobs created in Spain", says Mariano Rajoy
President's News - 2014.1.13
1. Arrival of the President of the Spanish Governement to the White House2014.1.13
White House, Washington (US)
After a meeting in the Oval Office, Mariano Rajoy and Barack Obama gave a joint press conference at which the two leaders confirmed the "magnificent" relationship that exists between Spain and the United States.
The President of the Government of Spain and the President of the United States commented on the changes taking place in the economies of both the Eurozone and Spain.
A little over a year ago, said Mariano Rajoy, there were doubts over the continued existence of the Euro, financing problems in numerous EU countries, very high risk premiums and a bail-out risk in certain countries, including Spain. However, the situation has now changed and "talk is starting to focus on growth and a clearer outlook is emerging in the fight against unemployment, which is unquestionably the most important issue being faced by certain European Union countries".
Barack Obama congratulated Mariano Rajoy on "his sound leadership" that has made it possible to return stability to the Spanish economy, switching the course of events towards growth, deficit reduction and a return to the financial markets.
President of the Government Rajoy briefed President Obama on the reforms implemented in Spain over the last two years, which he believes have been "absolutely essential" to the economic recovery.
He also told him that "we are now facing the future with greater optimism in Spain" because, after eleven months of negative growth, Spain''s economy grew by 0.1% in Q3 2013 and by 0.3% in Q4. Nonetheless, Mariano Rajoy acknowledged that many steps still need to be taken.
Unemployment continues to pose the greatest threat in the country, said the President of the Government of Spain, but the most recent data in this regard are "highly encouraging"; there were fewer people in the dole queues in Spain at the end of 2013 than there were at the end of 2012.
Free Trade Treaty
Pool MoncloaRegarding economic and trade issues between the two countries, Mariano Rajoy encouraged US investors to notice "the course of events in Spain" and the future prospects for the country.
The President of the Government said he is a staunch defender of the Free Trade Treaty being negotiated between the European Union and the United States. He described it as an issue of "enormous importance" because the result would be the freest and largest trade area in the world representing 50% of global GDP.
At the meeting, the two leaders have dealt with issues related to security, defence, foreign policy and Latin America.
Visit to Arlington National Cemetery
Pool Moncloa The official agenda of the President of the Government of Spain on his official trip to the United States began with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where he took part in a tribute to US troops fallen in combat. 250,000 soldiers have been laid to rest here, as well as the former President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.
During the course of the event, Mariano Rajoy placed a wreath of flowers in the colours of the Spanish flag on the tomb of the unknown soldier.
Meeting with Christine Lagarde
Pool MoncloaAfter his meeting with Barack Obama, Mariano Rajoy travelled to the headquarters of the International Monetary Fund for a meeting with its Director, Christine Lagarde. Together, they reviewed the structural reforms currently being implemented in Spain.
Christine Lagarde highlighted the reforms of the labour market and the pension system, and praised the fact that the Spanish fiscal consolidation process is developing as planned. She also praised the conduct of Spanish society in response to the reforms implemented by the Government of Spain to tackle the economic crisis.
Christine Lagarde and Mariano Rajoy also discussed those sectors of the economy that are now in a better position than when the crisis began, such as the automotive sector.
Decoration for US Senator Menéndez
EFE Mariano Rajoy then travelled to the Spanish Embassy in Washington, where he awarded the Grand Cross of Isabella the Catholic to Democrat US Senator for New Jersey, Bob Menéndez, Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and highest representative of the Spain-US Council.
In his speech, the President of the Government of Spain stressed that this institution - involving large companies, cultural and academic institutions, members of the administration and political party representatives - "is a powerful tool for bringing civil society in our two countries closer together in the understanding that those very ties between our citizens are what support and bolster our official State relations".
He also highlighted the work of Bob Menéndez in the defence and promotion "of the rights of immigrants, and more specifically because of his particular sensitivity to those forming part of the Hispanic community".