French President Emmanuel Macron is set to embark on a two-day state visit to Spain from September 29 to 30, as announced by the Spanish government. This visit marks the first official trip by Macron to Spain since January 2023 and the first state visit by a French president to Spain since 2009. During his stay, Macron will engage in discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and participate in a state banquet hosted by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
The meeting between Macron and Sanchez will center around strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing pressing challenges facing Europe. Key topics on their agenda include the protection of democracy, the impact of social media, and advancements in artificial intelligence. These discussions aim to enhance collaboration between the two nations on these critical issues.
In addition to focusing on European challenges, Macron and Sanchez are expected to deliberate on major international concerns, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent developments in the Middle East. These discussions underscore the importance of their partnership in addressing global geopolitical issues.
Earlier in 2023, Macron and Sanchez signed a friendship treaty, highlighting their commitment to deepening relations between France and Spain. However, the treaty has not yet been ratified by the Spanish government, facing opposition from right-wing political parties. The upcoming visit provides an opportunity for both leaders to reinforce their commitment to this agreement and explore ways to overcome the political hurdles it faces.