Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, above all I would like to tell you how pleased I am to be here, especially in California.  I would like to share a few brief thoughts with you on some of the main issues now facing the international community. 

I will do so from the standpoint of the relationship between the United States and Spain.  Our relationship has, lately, been hugely enhanced.  We are on the same wavelength.  Today, Spain and the United States are, above all, friends and allies.  We share a wish to build a freer more secure world, with more opportunities for all.  We share values and principles such as respect for law, democracy and the fight for freedom. But we also share the conviction that commitments must be honored, promises kept, and that countries like ours cannot and must not shirk their responsibilities. 

We share values and convictions, it is true, but likewise the United States and Spain share a common heritage.  We must reclaim the memory of that heritage, which is also part of the historic foundation of this nation, in order to understand each other better and discover how much we can do together. 

I am the first president of a Spanish government to visit the State with which Spain has a more important cultural and historic link in the United States as a whole.  Thus, I am absolutely convinced that Spain's past, present and future cannot be grasped without taking into account the present and future of America and the entire American continent.  Our country is European, but also deeply Atlantic. 

We are strongly committed to drawing on that common heritage to enhance our presence in your admirable country.  We want our entrepreneurs to increase their business possibilities here.  We want our citizens to connect with each other, more and better.  We want our universities to develop more exchange and research programs.  We want, in short, to take advantage of everything both the past and present offer us, to build a better future together. 

In recent times, Spain has undergone a radical change at all levels.  Today, Spain is completely democratic, proud of its past, fully integrated into Europe, an active member of major international bodies, and has one of the most dynamic and open economies on the European continent.  Our society is vibrant, young and dynamic. 

Spain is taking on greater responsibilities in the international realm and, consequently, seeks to be heard and taken into account. Spain is a reliable and solid partner, and wants to offer its capabilities in many areas of cooperation 

Tonight I will mention three of those specific fields:  first, the need to strengthen the link between the United States and Europe as a key to global security and prosperity; second, building a peaceful Middle East; and third, cooperation with Latin American countries which, on the whole, share these same values, common to the United States and Spain. 

Friends, we live in times which are as exciting as they are full of uncertainties and threats.  The transatlantic link joining Europeans and North Americans is undoubtedly a cornerstone of our common security. 

The world works better when we work together.  Conversely, the world was more vulnerable when, for one reason or another, Europe and the United States went separate ways. 

My administration is well aware that today's free and prosperous Europe was possible thanks to the solidarity and sacrifice of the United States.  We must not forget this, not just as a reference to the past, but also as we advance into the future. 

With its current enlargement, the European Union will soon comprise 25 countries with a population of over 420 million.  This new Europe, enlarged and strong, must not be built in opposition to, or in competition with, the United States.  We do not aspire to the European Union being a counter-power.  Let me stress that we must be clear that the prosperity and security of both the United States and Europe depend on a strong relationship, based on loyal cooperation on matters which are vital to our future. 

In my opinion, there are broadly two such matters on which the United States and Europe must work together: security and prosperity.  As part of this agenda, we must focus our efforts on the fight against terrorism, a true global threat as this century begins; against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and [against] the threat now posed by failed states.  Even before the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001, because of our experience in Spain, we already knew that terrorism affects us all.  It is an ethical and strategic challenge.  Terrorism is a threat to civilization, democracy and international peace and security. 

Today, the greatest threat to our peace and security lies in the potential for terrorist groups to acquire weapons of mass destruction, [particularly] with the connivance of failed or rogue states.  Only together can the United States and Europe achieve the aim of global security. 

Ladies and gentlemen, the priority of the transatlantic agenda must be a firm commitment to worldwide prosperity.  Our world has shrunk and become interdependent.  Poverty and hopelessness in any area can affect the international community as a whole.  Absolutely everyone stands to gain in a world that is, overall, more prosperous.  The United States and Europe have the chance and the responsibility to promote greater liberalization of world trade.  The successful culmination of the World Trade Organization's Doha Round could be a fundamental milestone. To that end, we must jointly provide thrust to the preparation and development of the forthcoming Cancun Ministerial Conference.  It is most important that from Cancun, from this American continent, a message of confidence be sent for the international economy. 

That might allow broad sectors of the population and many countries access to new markets in improved conditions.  It would, in short, provide an opportunity for progress and well being.  

Ladies and gentlemen, there is another factor particularly crucial in our joint task, as it has been in the past.  Peace in the Middle East will take up a good part of our energy.  We share President Bush's vision of two states, a democratic Palestine and Israel, living alongside each other in peace and security.  We restate our conviction that Israel's security is not negotiable.  Despite all the difficulties which may arise, right now the Road Map and the Madrid Quartet embody the hope of a reconciled Middle East. 

My friends, I would like to refer to a third dimension of our joint activity:  the triangular relationship between Spain and Europe, North American and Latin America.  With that in mind, I wish to begin with some comments on the Latin Americans that live among you—Hispanic North Americans.  The broad base of principles and values shared by the United States and Spain is further enriched in California by the presence of a cultural and historical heritage best seen now in the strength and activity of the Hispanic community here and in the United States in general.  I mean a minority already officially made up of over 37 million United States citizens and which has become not just the country's top minority in demographic terms but also in the most dynamic [terms].   

The Hispanic community in the United States is now a proud part of American society, actively contributing to its enrichment and diversity.  However, at the same time, this community does not forget or reject its historical or cultural references.  The community has a sense of belonging to a set of values defined by “the Hispanic factor.”  It may prove difficult to define this factor specifically.  Content may vary with geography, the place of origin, or the given objectives.  We all know, however, that this factor exists, it is there, and that its potential is as great as the sheer energy and vitality of the United States. 

I, therefore, wanted to make use of my trip to California to get to know that community better, to strongly state that Spain also shares that common Hispanic background, and that through these channels there are possibilities open to Spain and the United States for cooperation in all fields. 

There may be no better example to follow in terms of the cooperation between the United States and Spain than what is now happening in Latin America: both the United States and Spain share a vital concern for the political and economic recovery of the area.  Spain long ago committed itself to democracy in Latin America.  We have collaborated in the settlement of civil conflicts and the establishment of scrupulously democratic regimes, respectful of the fundamental rights of individuals and their basic liberties.  We are proud today to see how political democracy is taking root on the continent, albeit with some sad exceptions we all are aware of.  Democracy requires strengthening institutions.  We believe that democracy and development can only be based on efficient and healthy institutions, professional security forces, and administration of justice under the Rule of Law. 

The Spanish private sector has made vast investments in Latin America, and we now rank second among countries investing in the region, immediately after the United States. 

Within the European Union, Spain decisively supports the opening up of European markets to Latin America.  We have signed free trade agreements with Mexico and Chile, which also include clauses on enhanced political dialogue and cooperation in a variety of fields.  Negotiations are under way right now with MERCOSUR (Mercado Comun del Sur or Common Market of the South) and I hope that we will be able very soon to begin negotiations with Central America and the Andean Community. 

With all this, I want to convey the idea that our commitments in Latin America, which are vital to us, are yet another converging interest with the United States.  We look forward to the launch of the Free Trade Area of the America (FTAA) by the United States.  We believe that it will contribute greatly to the prosperity and wealth of Latin America as a whole.  That will always be a spur to the renewal and deepening of our commitment in the region.  Our joint tasks with our Latin American friends cannot but yield positive results.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, my aim has been to give you an image of the Spain I have been privileged to govern for more than seven years.  A Spain that is modern, dynamic and open to the world.  I have sought to identify with you areas of joint work, so as to make the transatlantic link.  No society has ever advanced in isolation.  One of the greatest achievements of constitutional Spain has been to open up to the world and to take on commitments in the world arena in the face of problems affecting us all.  It would be unthinkable to turn our backs on the opportunities of an ever-more open world, when we have the advantage of a language shared by over 400 million inhabitants of our planet.  However, in that process of opening up to the world of globalization, it is important to count on sure friends and allies.  And I can absolutely assure you that Spain will be a loyal ally and friend in these and other endeavors shared with the United States. 

Thank you very much.