Mariano Rajoy meets with Westphalia Business Forum and the Bertelsmann Group

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

At the meeting, the President of the Government highlighted the relations between the two countries and the fact that Germany has been one of our main trading partners for decades. "Spain and Germany represent two distinct realities that co-exist in the same Europe: north and south; centre and periphery. Whilst we are different we have a common project", he explained

In his opinion, Spaniards and Germans share the ambition to see a dynamic and competitive Europe that can maintain and finance its main symbol of identity; the Welfare State. In this regard, he mentioned the economic crisis we have suffered in recent years and explained the change undergone to the Spanish and European economic situation, and that no-one can doubt the survival of the Euro any longer.

"Spain has been a key element in the turnaround in this situation being enjoyed presently in Europe. Our seriousness in meeting our commitments, our determination when undertaking those reforms that our economy needed, the responsibility of Spanish society in making the effort required from them and the commitment of social stakeholders and the majority of public authorities have enabled this transformation to take place in record time", he explained.

The President of the Government acknowledged the concern and commitment of the Bertelsmann Foundation to fighting youth unemployment and the German commitment to dual vocational training, which has inspired some of the education reforms underway in Spain.