Foreign Minister Westerwelle is travelling to Madrid today in order to receive the Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit (Gran Cruz de la Orden del Mérito Civil). It is awarded by the Spanish King Juan Carlos I and presented to the Foreign Minister by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy at the palace of La Moncloa, his official residence.

Afterwards, Foreign Minister Westerwelle will meet his Spanish counterpart José Manuel García‑Margallo for a bilateral discussion. During his visit to Madrid, Foreign Minister Westerwelle will also take part in the public discussion “Fórum Europa” at the Nueva Economía Fórum on 10 December.