The Diplomat
The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, yesterday awarded the Cross of Naval Merit with a white distinction to the Undersecretary of Defense for International Security Affairs of the United States, Celeste Wallander, for her “extraordinary spirit of collaboration” between both countries.
During the event, held at the Ministry headquarters, Robles thanked Wallander for her “determination, which has allowed us to reach agreements that are very beneficial for our countries,” and assured that “Spain feels very close to the United States.”
Robles expressed his confidence that the “close and reliable” alliance between Spain and the United States allows the two countries, “in these difficult times, to continue working together for peace in the world.”
For her part, Wallander stated that “this extraordinary honor” is a testament to the excellent relations between the two countries and a reminder of her mutual trust. “Spain can always count on the United States,” she said. During a meeting prior to the award ceremony, the Minister of Defense conveyed her condolences to Wallander for the attack on a US base in Jordan, with three soldiers killed and several injured.
