Spanish Ambassador-designate Viguera presents credentials to President Waqa
The Ambassador-designate of the
Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Nauru Mr Enrique Viguera
presented his letter of credence to His Excellency President Baron
Waqa this morning (21 October) at the Presidential Office.
Upon arriving at the government
office Mr Viguera presented copies of his letter of credence to
acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs & Trade Mr Peter Jacob
before being received by the acting Director of Police Corey Caleb
for the playing of the national anthems and inspection of the
police Guard of Honour.
Mr Viguera was later escorted to
the President's Office for the presentation of credentials.
In his initial speech the
Ambassador highlighted his country's history in the pacific and
paid tribute to those early encounters that enhanced historical
links between Spain and the pacific island countries.
Ambassador Viguera said Spain is
engaged in regional cooperation with the pacific through the
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and through its European
Union membership.
Mr Viguera's message included a
call for support from Nauru in his country's campaign for a
non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council 2015-16 as well as
membership to the PIFS Leaders' Post-Forum dialogue.
In response President Waqa
congratulated Mr Viguera on his appointment as Nauru's ambassador
and looks forward to a future of cooperation and friendship between
Nauru and Spain.
"Nauru will continue to foster and
strengthen that relationship. Not so much on a multilateral
arrangement under the EU but more on a bilateral arrangement with
Spain and Nauru," President Waqa said.
Mr Viguera continues courtesy calls
on cabinet ministers, Chief Secretary Bernard Grundler, Speaker of
Parliament Ludwig Scotty and the Australian High Commissioner Bruce
Cowled.
Tomorrow (22 Oct) Mr Viguera is
expected to tour the mining operations, Nauru Secondary School,
Nauru Utilities Corporation and the Republic of Nauru (RoN)
Hospital.
His Excellency Baron Waqa will host
the ambassador to a dinner reception tomorrow (22 Oct) evening.
Mr Viguera is also ambassador to
Australia and is based in Canberra. He departs Nauru on Wednesday
23 October.