The OAS commemorates the anniversary of Europeans' first arrival in the Americas: Ambassador Juan Manuel Romero, Spain's Permanent Observer to the OAS; Jose Miguel Insulza, OAS Secretary General; Ambassador Marina Valere, Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the OAS, and President of the Permanent Council of the OAS; Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin, OAS Assistant Secretary General. Photo: Roberto Ribeiro/OAS

The encounter of the two worlds, he said, is unquestionably “Spain’s greatest contribution to world history and culture” and a testimony to that country’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening a special relationship with the Americas.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Permanent Observer to the OAS, Ambassador Juan Manuel Romero de Terreros Castilla, said his government plans to significantly increase its contributions to OAS programs this year.

In his remarks to representatives of OAS member and observer countries, Secretary General Insulza, said that while it was generally acknowledged that the Americas reflect much of the Spanish culture, Spain’s character and culture also bear the undeniable hallmarks of those five centuries.

“Spain’s presence in the Americas enriches us, uplifts us and supports us in our quest to develop this hemisphere,” Insulza added.
 
Speaking on behalf of the member state delegations, the Permanent Council Chair noted that the encounter of the two worlds, in 1492, “brought with it its challenges and its high points.” She observed as well the hemisphere’s unique dynamism resulting from that fusion of peoples and cultures over the ensuing centuries.

Ambassador Terreros reiterated Spain’s strategic interest in the OAS and its member states. He cited his country’s support for the region in such areas as the peace process in Colombia and the strengthening of institutions in Haiti, and announced a donor’s conference for Haiti, to be held in Madrid November 29 and 30.

The Permanent Observer also spoke about the Spanish Fund for the OAS as a “novel and significant commitment” through which Spain will channel its contributions to the inter-American organisation. “This year alone,” said the Spanish diplomat, “my country’s contributions to the OAS will be well above its total donations for the previous five years.”

He also noted the initiative for an Ibero-American Cultural Center in Washington, D.C.,  on the premises of the former residence of Spain’s Ambassador to the United States.