Spanish State Visit to New Zealand: Day 1
Their Majesties King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain today began a brief state visit to New Zealand. They arrived late Sunday evening (local time) in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city; this after a brief stop-over in Singapore en route from Spain.
The royal couple is in New Zealand with a high-powered business delegation, including Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos and the Secretary of State for Trade Silvia Iranzo Gutierrez. It has been reported that the aim is to allow Spanish businesses to expand into New Zealand, and this will in return vastly increase New Zealand’s access to selling our exports in the Latin American market.
This morning (soon after 10am) King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia visited the Yacht Research Centre at the University of Auckland where pioneering research was displayed for them. Sailing is very important in New Zealand, as followers of the America’s Cup will be aware. Auckland is fondly known by New Zealanders are the City of Sails. King Juan Carlos’ interest in sailing is also well known. For photos of the visit, see this gallery.
Whilst at the University, the King and Queen met Spanish students. The Spanish government has made contributions to the university’s teachings, and they credit this as a reason for Spanish being the most popular European language taught on the campus. Read more…
