RIYADH: The Embassy of Spain recently hosted a National Day reception at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Jorge Hevia Sierra emphasized the “strong connection and mutual sympathy” between Saudis and Spaniards.

He also highlighted the enhanced bilateral relations, marked by several high-level visits over the past year, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s visit to Jeddah in April 2024 and the meeting between foreign ministers Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Jose Manuel Albares in Madrid in September 2024, where they reviewed relations and discussed efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.

The ambassador noted that the Spanish National Day traditionally celebrates the unique characteristics of each region.

“The king of Spain, the government led by the prime minister and the presidents of each of the autonomous communities preside (over) a military parade in the streets of Madrid that showcases the different units of the Spanish army and ends, if the weather allows it, with an air exhibition. Afterward, the king hosts a reception for the diplomatic corps and different national authorities” Hevia said.

“In Saudi Arabia, we usually invite local authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, and businessmen with interests in mutual economic relations, as well as our Spanish community,” he added.

“It is also an opportunity to celebrate the work of our embassy staff and their families,” the ambassador said.

On Oct. 12, Spain’s National Day, Spaniards commemorate a significant moment in their history — the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America in 1492.

The national day event was attended by Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy, the Riyadh region undersecretary; Abdulmajeed Al-Smari, deputy minister for protocol affairs; Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, assistant minister of investment; and several other members of the diplomatic corps.