Dear friends, queridos compratriotas
My name is Emma Aparici, and I am the new Spanish Ambassador to the UK.
Spain was the first country to establish a permanent diplomatic presence in London at the end of the 15th century. Today, I am honoured to be the first woman to represent Spain at the Court of St James.
It is a privilege to serve in a country that I have always admired. To me, the UK embodies openness, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit.
The world is facing challenging times, but our bilateral relationship is thriving, based on our shared belief in principles such as democracy, human rights, climate action or open economies. Spain and the United Kingdom are allies, and we both believe in multilateralism.
The Spanish and British Royal Families enjoy close ties, and political relations have moved beyond Brexit thanks to the UK reset with the EU and the conclusion of a Strategic Bilateral Framework recently agreed by President Sánchez and Prime Minister Starmer.
Few countries are closer than Spain and the UK. One million Spaniards and Britons live in each other's nation, and there is a constant flow of scientists, businesspeople, students and tourists between our countries. Did you know that more than 400 flights link our cities every day?
Let's continue to work together to make mobility as seamless as possible. This will benefit our people and our economies.
At present, Spain- UK relations are outstanding, but the future could be even brighter.
Por último, a mis compatriotas les quiero trasmitir mi compromiso con un servicio público de calidad. La embajada es vuestra casa y estoy a vuestra disposición.
Thank you very much, muchas gracias.