ISLAMABAD: The observance of Spanish National Day commemorated historical legacy, recognised prospects for the future and was a celebration based on Spanish food.

“It was a matter of pride how Spain values centuries-old historical heritage. How we appreciated exposure to everyone. Phoenicians from today’s Lebanon, Greeks, Romans, Jews and Muslim Arabs and many others had passed through Spain. They had all left a legacy of which we Spaniards feel proud and which has contributed to shaping us as a people and as a nation,” said Spain’s Ambassador Jose A de Ory.

The ambassador had opened his home to a delighted diplomatic gathering, local dignitaries and close friends.

Ambassador Ory invited his main guests of the evening, the caretaker Minister for Privatization Fawad Hasan Fawad, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori and members of his staff to join him in the spacious reception area for an introduction and some background history of Spain.

Spain’s National Day marks the discovery of the Americas, a great historical feat of which Spain was proud, the ambassador said.

He also congratulated Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faiz Esa and his wife Sarina Isa for their struggles and accomplishments. The ambassador said he was also proud of the ties that united Pakistan and Spain - an excellent political relation, the enormous appreciation for Spain and its culture it received everyday from Pakistani society and growing trade relations.

“We are the second most important destination for Pakistan’s exports to the EU, Euro 1.5 million last year, especially textile products, which have found a prominent place in our daily lives. These numbers help improve the well-being and progress of tens of thousands families in Pakistan. The main reason behind the increase in trade is the GSP plus. Pakistan continues to benefit from the preferential access to the European market. We expect Pakistan to effectively implement 25 international conventions such as human rights, rights of labour, the environment and governance,” the ambassador stated.

In his remarks, Minister Fawad Hasan said Pakistan and Spain had enjoyed traditionally good relations. Those relations spanned across all the fields.

He recalled the days when Pakistan relied on the critical role that Spain used to play in getting the country some of the trade facilitations within the EU.

“Many years on, that kind of cooperation is still there. It is prospering,” he said.

On the occasion, Spanish food such as tortillaespanola, papas alinadas con ventresca and picadillo de tomate were some of the delicacies that completed the menu as guests also tasted gazpacho and reganas appreciatively.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2023