Spain is set to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron for a state visit spanning two days, from September 29 to 30. The announcement from the Spanish government highlights that Macron will engage in discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during his stay. Additionally, a state banquet will be held in his honor, hosted by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
This visit marks Macron’s first official journey to Spain since January 2023 and is notably the initial state visit by a French president to Spain since 2009. The agenda for the meetings between Macron and Sanchez includes a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation and tackling European challenges such as the safeguarding of democracy, the impacts of social media, and advancements in artificial intelligence.
Macron and Sanchez are also slated to deliberate on pressing international matters, with particular attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the evolving situation in the Middle East. These discussions are expected to delve into strategies and collaborative efforts to address these global issues.
Earlier in 2023, during Macron’s visit to Spain, both leaders signed a friendship treaty. However, the ratification of this agreement by Spain has been stalled due to opposition from right-wing political factions. This context adds a layer of complexity to the upcoming dialogue between the two nations.