Ankara, July 8 (EFE).- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Wednesday that he spoke with US President Donald Trump «without tension» and in «absolute cordiality» on the sidelines of the NATO summit, despite Trump’s earlier criticism of Spain and threat to cut trade ties with the country.
Speaking at a press conference after the summit, Sánchez said he had held an informal conversation with Trump just hours after the US president described Spain as «a wasted cause,» called Spaniards «hopeless, bad people,» and threatened to cut all trade ties.
Despite those remarks, Sánchez said their exchange consisted only of «kind words and pleasantries.»
He said the two discussed the FIFA World Cup being hosted by the United States, as well as other informal topics, including golf, which Sánchez noted is one of Trump’s favorite sports.
According to the Spanish prime minister, the conversation took place while leaders were waiting to pose for the traditional family photo at the summit.
Sánchez said he learned of Trump’s criticism through the media and stressed that the US president never raised the issue directly with him.
He said he received Trump’s comments «calmly and patiently,» and «with a certain normalcy,» adding that, despite the rhetoric, bilateral relations between Spain and the United States remain «very positive.»
«Spain is a country that is always working to build stronger relations with its allies,» Sanchez told reporters in Ankara.
Responding to Trump’s threat to end trade relations with Spain, Sánchez pointed out that trade policy is negotiated between the United States and the European Union, not with individual EU member states.
He also noted that Spain runs a trade deficit with the United States. EFE
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