Overview
- Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa paid his 14th and final official visit to Spain, received at Madrid’s Royal Palace with military honors including a 21‑gun salute, a meeting and a lunch.
- Felipe VI called for the “respect due between allies” and pressed to strengthen the European pillar within NATO, describing the alliance as an irreplaceable geostrategic reference.
- The King said Europe must reinforce strategic autonomy while safeguarding the welfare model, social cohesion, public services and culture.
- He praised enduring Iberian ties, thanked Rebelo de Sousa for his leadership, and described him as a friend of Spain and Spaniards.
- The Portuguese presidency transfers on March 9 to António José Seguro, and the Spanish monarch is expected to attend the inauguration.