Lebanese President Visits Spain after 50 Years

The President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Michel Suleiman, and his wife, Wafaa Suleiman, arrived yesterday in Madrid to start a two-day state visit to Spain upon the invitation of Their Majesties, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.

The Presidential couple was welcomed with state honours by the King and Queen of Spain at Pardo Palace, where they will reside during their stay in Spain. Afterward, a private lunch was hosted by the King and Queen at Zarzuela Palace, which was also attended by the Prince and Princess of Asturias and the Presidential couple’s eldest daughter, Rita Suleiman, and her husband Wissam Baroudi.

That night, the traditional gala dinner took place at the Royal Palace, in honor of the Lebanese President and his wife which was attended by representatives of both governments. President Suleiman and the First Lady were honoured by the Spanish government with the Spanish Order of Isabel de Catolica, while the Spanish Royals were honoured with the Lebanese Order of Merit.

During his speech at the dinner, King Juan Carlos spoke of the Lebanese president: “Spain always followed closely the evolution of the political Lebanese situation, and has contributed with our best efforts to your country to overcome the challenges and tears of its most recent history. The commitment of Spain to Lebanon is wide and solid.”

Today Queen Sofia and the Lebanese First Lady will visit the Alzheimers Centre of the Queen Sofia Foundation and at night the return reception in honour of the King and Queen of Spain will take place at Pardo Palace.

Tomorrow, the Presidential Couple will leave Spain.

Filed under Spain
Tagged Juan Carlos I of Spain, Lebanon, Order of Isabella the Catholic, Orders, President Suleiman of Lebanon, Queen Sofia of Spain, State Visit.

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