Sánchez to Meet U.S. Ambassador for First Time

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is set to meet U.S. Ambassador Benjamín León Jr. on Wednesday, marking their first encounter since León Jr. took charge of the American legation in Madrid. The meeting at the Moncloa Palace comes after the ambassador publicly voiced his frustration over the delay in receiving an official audience.

León Jr., who presented his credentials to the King of Spain in February, had noted in late May that Sánchez had yet to receive him. He also dismissed the possibility of President Donald Trump visiting Spain in the near future, linking it to the lack of a meeting with the Spanish leader.

“

If the president of Spain has not received me, I don't think he is inviting President Trump.

Recent diplomatic friction between Spain and the United States has centered on several key issues. Ambassador León Jr. reportedly expressed that Trump is "very frustrated" with the Spanish government, citing Spain as the only NATO country not increasing its defense spending to the agreed-upon 5% of GDP. Furthermore, Sánchez's strong opposition to the war in Iran and his refusal to allow the U.S. to use Spanish military bases for operations in the Middle East have created additional tension.

“

Trump is very frustrated with the Government of Spain because it is the only country in NATO that refuses to increase its defense spending to reach 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP).