BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP
Spain and the United States have a long history of official relations and are
closely associated in many fields. In addition to U.S. and Spanish cooperation
in NATO, defense and security relations between the two countries are regulated
by a 1989 Agreement on Defense Cooperation, revised in 2003. Under this
agreement, Spain authorized the United States to use certain facilities at
Spanish military installations.
The two countries also cooperate in several other important areas. Under a 1964
agreement (currently being renegotiated), the U.S. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) and the Spanish National Institute of Aerospace
Technology (INTA) jointly operate the Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex
in support of Earth orbital and solar system exploration missions. The Madrid
Complex is one of the three-largest tracking and data acquisition complexes
comprising NASA's Deep Space Network.
An agreement on cultural and educational cooperation was signed on June 7, 1989.
A new element, supported by both the public and private sectors, gives a
different dimension to the programs carried out by the joint committee for
cultural and educational cooperation. These joint committee activities
complement the binational Fulbright program for graduate students, postdoctoral
researchers, and visiting professors, which became the largest in the world in
1989. Besides assisting in these exchange endeavors, the U.S. Embassy also
conducts a program of official visits between Spain and the United States.
Spain and the U.S. are
strong allies in the fight against terrorism. (Background Note: Spain
7/07)
BILATERAL EVENTS
2009
US Consul General Visits A Coruña, November 2009
 |
Deputy Mayor Carlos Gonzalez-Garces Santiso, Consul General
Peggy Gennatiempo, and U.S. Consular Agent Marcelino Fuentes.
|
Consul General Peggy Gennatiempo traveled to La Coruna where she met
with Deputy Mayor Carlos Gonzalez-Garces Santiso, U.S. Consular Agent Marcelino
Fuentes, as well as Chief of Police of Galicia Luis Manuel Garcia.
The Consul General was presented with a gift from the Mayor – a replica of the
Tower of Hercules, which is the ancient Roman lighthouse recently listed as
UNESCO World Heritage site and the symbol of La Coruna. Ms. Gennatiempo also
attended a lively cocktail hosted by the American Club in her honor.
DHS Secretary Napolitano Participates in Conference in Madrid
 |
Janet Napolitano with Prince and Princess of Asturias and Martin Cooper, Madrid, November 4, 2009 |
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano delivered remarks
to the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners
yesterday in Madrid. Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, the
Prince of Asturias, and cell phone inventor Martin Cooper also participated
in the conference (more).
Secretary Napolitano emphasized that security and privacy
are in no way mutually exclusive and encouraged continued joint U.S.-EU
efforts to reach a binding agreement on data security and privacy.
Secretary Napolitano also met with Spanish officials to discuss customs
cooperation as well as privacy issues related to bilateral criminal
information sharing partnerships between the United States, Spain, and the
European Union.
Article in El País
- - -
La Secretaria de Seguridad Interna de Estados
Unidos, Janet Napolitano, participa en una conferencia en Madrid
La Secretaria del Departamento de Seguridad Interna, Janet Napolitano, dio
unas palabras en la Conferencia Internacional de Autoridades de Protección
de Datos y Privacidad en Madrid. El Ministro del Interior español Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba,
el Príncipe de Asturias, y el inventor del teléfono móvil Martin Cooper
también participaron en la conferencia.
La Secretaria Napolitano destacó que la seguridad y privacidad no son de
ninguna manera exclusivas y animó a continuar los esfuerzos entre Estados
Unidos y la Unión Europea para lograr un acuerdo vinculante sobre seguridad
en los datos y privacidad.
La Secretaria Napolitano también se reunió con autoridades españolas para
hablar sobre cooperación en materia de aduanas, así como asuntos de
privacidad relacionados con la asociación para el intercambio bilateral de
información sobre delincuentes entre Estados Unidos, España y la Unión
Europea.
Artículo en El País
Remarks by President Obama and President Zapatero, October 13, 2009
 |
President talks to President Obama at White House, October 13, 2009 |
Spain and the United States are working together on some of the most
difficult security issues that we face in the world. And during the
course of our lunch we discussed the situation in Afghanistan, and I
thanked Prime Minister Zapatero for the partnership with Spanish
forces in helping to bring security and stability to Afghanistan and
to help train Afghans so that they can provide for their own security (more) (más).
U.S.-Spain Forum Meets in Valencia, October 9-11,
2009
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Former Senator Mel Martínez, Senator and US-Spain Council Chairman Bob Menéndez, Jose Ignacio Goirigolzarri and Luis Pérez, at opening dinner |
Government and business leaders from
the U.S. and Spain met today to discuss bilateral and global issues
on the eve of the meeting between President’s Barack Obama and Jose
Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on October 13. Senior
representatives of both governments and leading businesses talked in
Valencia, addressing topics of mutual importance, such as renewable
energy, infrastructure, investment, banking and relations with Latin
America.
Fundación Consejo España-Estados
Unidos
United States-Spain Council
Bob Menéndez
Interview in YouTube
Prince Felipe Remarks in YouTube
40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission,
July 20, 2009
 |
Esperanza Aguirre, President of the Madrid Regional Government; Thomas R. Genton, Embassy Public Affairs Officer;
NASA representative Philip E. Liebrecht, and dozens of American and Spanish experts who worked together in Fresnedillas
40 years ago attended the event in Fresnedillas de la Oliva, Madrid, July 20, 2009 |
On July 20, 1969, man walked on the moon for the first time. The town of
Fresnedillas de la Oliva (Madrid) had reason to celebrate the event: one of the
three tracking stations for the historic Apollo 11 mission is located there.
Thomas R. Genton, Embassy Public Affairs Officer, attended the commemorative
celebration in Fresnedillas and the current NASA station in Robledo de Chavela (more).
William Gestenmaier, Associate Administrator for Space Operations, NASA
Headquarters, Visits Madrid, July 8, 2009
 |
Mr. William Gerstenmaier exchanges plaques with INTA Director General, Mr. Jaime Denis, commemorating the
40th Anniversary of the Spanish administration of the Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex,
Madrid, July 8, 2009 |
On July 8, 2009, Mr. Gestenmaier took part in the ceremony marking the 40th
anniversary of the transfer of responsibility for managing the Madrid Deep Space
Communications Complex (MDSCC) from NASA to the Spanish INTA (Instituto Nacional
de Técnica Aeroespacial), the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (more).
Spanish Ministry of Defense visit to the U.S.
 |
Spanish Ministry Defense Chacon during her meeting with U.S. Defense Gate.
Photo: Department of Defense by R.D. Ward |
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Spanish Defense Minister Carme Chacon
discussed operations in Afghanistan, counter-piracy initiatives and continuing
military-to-military ties during a meeting at the Pentagon today. Gates said the
relationship between the two NATO allies is excellent. Spain has 780 soldiers in
Afghanistan today, according to NATO statistics, and commands the Badghis
Provincial Reconstruction Team in western Afghanistan.
More
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security visits Spain
 |
Jane Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security meeting with Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, Minisry of the Interior. July, 1, 2009 |
Janet
Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security visited Spain to
sign an immigration agreement with Spanish Minister of the Interior, Alfredo
Perez-Rubalcaba. During her stay in Madrid, Napolitano also honored the victims
of the 11 of March 2004 Madrid train bombings with a wreath laying at the site
of the memorial in the Atocha train station. She also had a working meeting with
Second Vice President and Minister of Economy, Elena Salgado and a visit to the
President of the Government, Jose Luis Rodríguez Zapatero at the Moncloa Palace
United States and Spain Sign an Agreement to Prevent
and Combat Serious Crime
 |
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo
Perez Rubalcaba signing the Agreement 06/24/09.
Photo: U.S. Department of Justice |
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute today joined with Spanish Interior Minister
Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba to sign an Agreement to Prevent and Combat Serious Crime
that allows for the exchange of fingerprints and other data on known terrorists
and criminals while protecting individual privacy.
More
Secretary of State Clinton Meets with Spanish Foreign
Minister Moratinos, February 24, 2009
 |
Clinton and Moratinos shake hands before their meeting, Washington, 02/24/09 |
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Spanish Foreign Minister
Miguel Angel Moratinos in the Department of State. The meeting lasted 40 minutes
and they discussed a number of issues, including the Spanish contribution to the
operations in Afghanistan and other opportunities to work with Spain, an
important partner, on challenges confronting the international community. The
Secretary also raised suggested future cooperation in the area of renewable
energy.
2008
The United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Eduardo Aguirre, traveled
on October 2008 to the Spanish autonomous regions of Galicia and Asturias.
In Galicia the Ambassador visited the cities of Lugo, Orense and A Coruña. In
this last city Aguirre inaugurated the new consular office of the U.S. in
Galicia. In Lugo and Orense, Ambassador Aguirre met with the mayors and took a
personal and close look at the historical streets of both cities. After Galicia
, Ambassador Aguirre traveled to Oviedo, in Asturias, to assist to the prize
giving ceremony of the Principe de Asturias Foundation where
three American award winners received the prestigious
international award.
 |
Ambassador Aguirre with Mayor of A Coruña, Javier Losada, and other officials in
A Coruña, October 24, 2008 (EFE) |
-
La embajada de EE.UU. promocionará a Ourense entre los empresarios americanos
que deseen hacer inversiones
Ambassador Aguirre Visits Teruel, October 10, 2008
 |
Ambassador Aguirre talks to Mayor of Teruel, Miguel Ferrer |
Artículo en Soitu.es
13th US-Spain Forum, Houston, Texas, May 16-18, 2008
(more)
 |
Ambassador Aguirre, Senator Mel Martinez and BBVA CEO J.I. Goirigolzarri
with Houston local authorities |
2007
Solar Decathlon Competition, Washington, October 12-20, 2007
 |
Example of Solar House |
Nota de prensa
Department of Energy Page
U.S. and Spain to Develop "Solar Decathlon Europe"
UPM, third place award
Infopack
Un hogar más ecológico
During a visit to Bilbao on October 10 and 11, Chargé d’Affaires Hugo Llorens
highlighted the strong economic ties between Spain and the United States and
promoted the benefits of investing in renewable energy technologies. In a speech
to a group of prominent Basque business leaders the Chargé outlined the U.S.
strategy for addressing global climate change and encouraged Spain to continue
developing and investing in clean energy technologies. In addition, the Chargé
held a breakfast with IVLP alumni to exchange views with them on US-Spain
bilateral issues. He was also in Bilbao to represent the Embassy at the opening
of the exhibit “Art in the USA: 300 Years of Innovation” and attend a gala
dinner at the Guggenheim Museum. The exhibit opening received excellent press
coverage in all major Spanish newspapers. During a morning interview with Radio
Euskadi (250,000 listeners) the Chargé answered questions about the US-Spain
bilateral relationship, US policy in Iraq, terrorism and the US electoral
process. Charge also met with the Mayor of Bilbao, Iñaki Azkuna Urreta
(interview
 )
 |
Deputy Chief of Mission Hugo Llorens with the Mayor of Bilbao, Iñaki Azkuna
Urreta, October 2007 |
Deputy Chief of Mission Hugo Llorens was interviewed by Intereconomía's TV
program La Campana on October 1, 2007. He talked about environment, and Bush
Administration's efforts to face climate change.
(see video clip
 )
|
Deputy Chief of Mission Hugo Llorens at Intereconomía, October 1, 2007 |
Ambassador Dell Dailey, Secretary Rice's principal advisor on counterterrorism
and the USG's coordinator for all diplomatic efforts on counterterrorism, was in
Madrid on Friday September 21 for meetings with counterparts in the Spanish
Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and various security, law
enforcement and intelligence agencies. Ambassador Dailey's delegation
shared USG counterterrorism assessments and explored ways to deepen our already
excellent bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism matters.
 |
Ambassador Dailey visited Madrid on September 21, 2007 |
Representatives the United States-Spain Council and the Fundación Consejo
España-Estados Unidos met June 22-24 at the 12th U.S.-Spain Forum in Salamanca
(more)
 |
Tom Shannon, President of US-Spain Council Luis Perez,
Ambassador Aguirre and Vicepresident Eusebio Mujal-León
|
USCIS Director Emilio González visit to Madrid, Instituto Elcano, June 21, 2007
(more)
 |
Emilio González visited Madrid to discuss on immigration legislation in the
U.S., June 21, 2007 |
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Visit to Spain, June 1, 2007
 |
Secretary Rice shakes hand
with president Zapatero at la Moncloa, June 1, 2007 |
*
Joint Press Conference Rice-Moratinos, June 1, 2007
*
Secretary Rice's Visit to Spain Video, June 1, 2007
*
Picture gallery
Ambassador Aguirre attended a party hosted by DCM Hugo Llorens,
March 16, 2007
 |
Ambassador Aguirre with blues musician Richard Johnston, at a
barbeque held at Deputy Chief of Mission Hugo Lloren's residence on March 16,
2007, in honor of the "Memphis in May" International Festival Delegation , on
the occasion of their tour of Spain, the 2007 honored country. |
Ambassador visit to Huesca, Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2007
 |
Ambassador Aguirre with
Excmo. Sr. D. Luis Miguel Álvarez, Vicerrector of Santuario de Torreciudad,
Maria Teresa Aguirre, Louis Aguirre, brother of Ambassador and Marc
Sanderson, Executive Assistant to the Ambassador in front of the beautiful
Santuario de Torreciudad near El Grado, Huesca
|
Ambassador touring the Santuario de Torreciudad, Huesca, February 2007
 |
Ambassador Aguirre touring the Santuario de Torreciudad
with Excmo. Sr. D. Luis Miguel Álvarez, Vicerrector of
Santuario de Torreciudad and Maria Teresa Aguirre
|
US
Ambassador to the IAEA Gregor Schulte visited Madrid January 10-11 to meet with
members of Spanish Foundations and Think-tanks, as well as members of Congress
to discuss on Iran and nuclear non-proliferation.
 |
Ambassador Schulte in Madrid, January 10, 2007 |
•
Interview on ABC,
January 12, 2007
•
U.S. Envoy Calls on U.N. States To Enforce Iran Sanctions
•
Ambassador Schulte speech in Rabat, January 9, 2007
•
Ambassador Schulte bio
2006
Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Thomas Shannon visit to Madrid,
December 2006
 |
Thomas Shannon in Madrid, December 2006 |
• Interview on ABC,
12/02/06
• Interview on El
País, 12/02/06
• Interview on Radio Ser,
12/02/06
Ambassador Aguirre presented books donated by the U.S. Embassy to the President
of Comunidad de Madrid, Esperanza Aguirre, October 4, 2006
Ambassador Aguirre met with Administrator of the Drug Enforcement
Administration, Karen Tandy. Read her interview in El País (English
version / versión en
castellano).
 |
Ambassador Aguirre with Administrator of the Drug Enforcement
Administration, Karen Tandy during her September 12-14 visit to Spain |
September 11 Anniversary
 |
DCM Llorens with representatives from the Association of
Victims of Terrorism in the US Embassy lobby, September 11, 2006 |
 |
DCM Llorens with Pilar Manjón Gutiérrez,
President of the 11 M Association Victims of Terrorism, participated in a
memorial service for the victims, September 11, 2006ll |
 |
A collection of September 11 pictures taken in New York was donated to US
Embassy by photographer Javier Prieto, who stands with some of his pictures
in the US Embassy lobby,
September 13, 2006 |
Ambassador Aguirre with Yolanda Barcina Angulo, the mayor of Pamplona, during
the last day of San Fermín, Pamplona, July 14, 2006
 |
July 14, 2006 during the last day of San
Fermin with Yolanda Barcina Angulo, the mayor of Pamplona |
Ambassador Aguirre with Miguel Sanz Sesma, President of Navarra, the mayor of
Pamplona, during the last day of San Fermín, Pamplona, July 14, 2006
 |
July 14, 2006 during the last day of San
Fermin, with Miguel Sanz Sesma, President of Navarra |
Ambassador Aguirre with Sagrario Guinduláin Guerendiáin, Mayor of Peralta,
Pamplona, July 15, 2006
 |
July 15, 2006, with Sagrario Guinduláin
Guerendiáin, Mayor of Peralta |
Ambassador Aguirre met with Andorran
Foreign Minister Minoves on July 11 to discuss issues of mutual interest.
 |
Ambassador Aguirre and
Andorran Foreign
Minister Juli Minoves, July 11 |
July 4 Celebration at Ambassador Residence
 |
Ambassador Aguirre with Ambassador of Holy See to Spain, Manuel Monteiro,
July 4 |
 |
Ambassador Aguirre and Mrs. Aguirre with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, General Félix Sanz Roldán, July 4 |
 |
Ambassador Aguirre and Mrs. Aguirre with Trinidad Jiménez,
July 4 |
 |
Ambassador Aguirre and Mrs. Aguirre with Lawyer Antonio Garrigues, July 4 |
 |
Ambassador Aguirre and Mrs. Aguirre with Minister of Public Works, Magdalena
Álvarez, July 4 |
 |
Ambassador Aguirre and Mrs. Aguirre with Minister of Justice, José Antonio
Alonso, July 4 |
 |
Ambassador Aguirre and Mrs. Aguirre with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miguel
Ángel Moratinos, July 4 |
 |
Ambassador Aguirre and Mrs. Aguirre with President of Community of Madrid,
Esperanza Aguirre, July 4 |
 |
Presenting color to Ambassador and Mrs. Aguirre with Moratinos, Alonso and
Álvarez, July 4 |
 |
Ambassador and Mrs. Aguirre with members of the Spanish government during
his speech, July 4 |
U.S. Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre and Spanish Minister of Education Mercedes
Cabrera sign a joint
statement on scientific and technological cooperation between the two
countries. 30 June 2006., Madrid, June 30, 2006
 |
US Ambassador Aguirre and Mercedes Cabrera, Madrid, June 30 |
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meets with Spanish Ministry of Foreign
Affairs Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Washington, June 19, 2006
 |
Rice with Moratinos in Washington, June 19 |
2005
U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld meets with Spanish Ministry of Defense
José Bono at Pentagon, Washington, May 03, 2005
|
Rumsfeld met Bono at Pentagon, May 03, 2005 |
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meets with Spanish Foreign Affairs
Minister Moratinos at State Department, Washington, April 15, 2005
|
Rice met Moratinos at State Department, D.C., April 15, 2005 |
U.S. Attorney General Gonzales Remarks at the International Summit on Democracy,
Terrorism and Security, Madrid, March 10, 2005
(English version) /
(versión en castellano)
|
Gonzales and Moratinos shake hands in the presence of Vicepresident Fernández de
la Vega, Madrid, March 10, 2005 (AP photo) |
2004
Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister Moratinos's Visit to Washington, April 21, 2004
|
Powell and Moratinos shake hands after their meeting in Washington, April 21,
2004 (EFE photo) |
EXPRESIONS OF SOLIDARITY / (castellano)
Secretary Powell in Madrid. Meets with
President Zapatero after State Funeral for victims of Bombings Attacks, March,
24, 2004
|
Powell talks with Zapatero at La Moncloa after the state funeral, March 24, 2004
(EFE photo)
|
Aznar Speaks to U.S. Congress on Terrorism, U.S.-Europe Ties, February 04, 2004
|
Aznar speaking at U.S. Congress. Behind, Cheney and Hastert applaud,
Feb. 4, 2004 (©AP/WWP)
|
Remarks by Colin Powell
and Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio After Their Meeting, Washington,
January 07, 2004
|
Powell and Palacio at the State Department, January 07, 2004
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