WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on Tuesday welcomed Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to the White House.
President Donald Trump, left, poses for a photo with Spain’s King Felipe VI, second from left, first lady Melania Trump, third from right, and Queen Letizia, right, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Image: AP Photo/Susan Walsh
King Felipe described his first Oval Office meeting with the president as a “great end to a perfect visit.” The royals are in the U.S. to mark the 300th anniversaries of the founding of New Orleans and San Antonio, stopping in both cities with historical ties to Spain before arriving at the White House.
Trump called it “really a tremendous honor” to have the royal couple in the Oval Office.
The president also praised the “outstanding” relationship between the U.S. and Spain “over the years and, I think, especially right now. Excellent trade relationship, military relationship. Just about everything you can have. So we love Spain.”
President Donald Trump, second from right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, welcome Spain’s King Felipe VI, second from left, and Queen Letizia, left, to the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Image: AP Photo/Susan Walsh
Trade was expected to figure prominently in their talks. The king was expected to discuss concerns in Europe about the Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and U.S. tariffs on Spanish black olives.
Mrs. Trump was scheduled to host Queen Letizia for tea in the Red Room. The first lady recently resumed her schedule of public appearances following surgery last month to treat a benign kidney condition.
The king and queen were expected to meet with congressional leaders later Tuesday. NVG
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