MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images(MADRID) — President Obama visited with King Felipe VI of Spain at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Sunday, despite shortening his Europe trip in wake of the recent shootings.
“We’ve had a difficult week in the United States,” Obama said, adding it was still important for him to come because of America’s close relationship with Spain.
King Felipe also acknowledged the turmoil in the U.S., becoming the latest world leader to express his concerns publicly to President Obama.
“I want to thank you dearly for visiting us, and very specially for maintaining this visit given the present particular circumstances,” he said.
President Obama remarked how Michelle and his daughters loved Spain on their recent visit and how he hoped for a more extended visit post-presidency. It is believed that Malia will spend her gap year interning at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid.
King Felipe also gave the president a gift for visiting: Per the Royal Palace, the King gave him an English edition of Don Quixote, edited by Penguin and translated by John Rutherford, with leather covers stamped with a U.S. seal and the Royal House seal. It includes a written dedication in English signed by the King and the Queen Letizia, and a quote about freedom from Chapter 58 of the Spanish classic.
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