President Obama reaffirmed in Spain alliance with Europe on security

USPA NEWS - Less than 24 hours lasted the first official visit of US President Barack Obama to Spain. Shortened by the bloody events in Dallas, TX, where on Tuesday preside over a funeral for the five policemen killed, Obama took time to meet with King Philip VI, Prime Minister Rajoy and opposition leaders.

President Obama reiterated the US commitment to European security and combating terrorism. United States, said, "will not waver" in its commitment to NATO and stressed its alliances with European countries, including a "strong and unified" Spain. In a speech at the naval base in Rota, southern Spain, with which he ended his official visit, the US President argued that "the alliance between our countries based on shared values" like "democracy, pluralism and shared commitment to freedom."

Obama came to Spain shortly before midnight Saturday. He stayed at the US Embassy in Madrid and Sunday morning he rose early to meet with King Philip VI. The monarch transmitted to the President of the United States its commitment to "maintain close collaboration with the United States." Obama recalled that the first time he visited Spain did not come aboard Air Force One but walk, backpacking in transit to Africa. US President regretted having had to shorten his trip and said that despite the events in Dallas, TX, wanted to keep the visit to Spain because "it was important to come."

He later met with Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, whom he conveyed his congratulations on the "economic progress of recent years" in Spain, although he warned that "should continue to improve in some aspects" and reduce youth unemployment. "It was a difficult road, but many of the changes are beginning to show results," Obama said. Meanwhile, Rajoy assured the US President that will do "everything possible" to form a Government. After meeting with Rajoy, President Obama met at the airbase of Torrejon in Madrid, with the leaders of the three main opposition parties in Spain: the socialist Pedro Sanchez, the centrist Albert Rivera and the populist Pablo Iglesias.