This is the first time that Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has made a State Visit to Spain as President of Argentina. She visited the country in the past years as the wife of President Néstor Kirchner.

His Majesty the King received the President on Monday 9 February in an official ceremony at Pardo Palace. Later Ms. Fernandez had a private lunch in Zarzuela Palace hosted by the King and his family, and in the evening the King and Queen hosted a gala dinner in her honor.

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As is traditional in a state visit, the President visited the Spanish Parliament, where she give a short speech, and in the morning the mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruiz Gallardon, give her the Golden key of the city.

On Tuesday night, the President hosted a return dinner in Pardo Palace in honer of their Majesties the King and the Queen.

There has been some “funny” polemic during this visit. It seems that the Argentinian President has a problem arriving punctually at her engagements. The King and Queen and the Prince and Princess of Asturias had to wait almost 40 minutes for her to arrive at the Gala Dinner, and yesterday their Majesties had to wait 20 minutes at the return dinner that the President hosted in their honor. In the coming months, the Presidents of Russia and France are expected to visit Spain. Will Letizia be happy to wait for Carla?

Paty Spanish Royals King Juan Carlos, President Kirchner, State Visit