King Juan Carlos starts state visit

Spanish King Juan Carlos has arrived in Malta on a two-day state visit.

The King was greeted by President George Abela and was introduced to the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, the Cabinet, the diplomatic corps and senior civil servants.

He also inspected an AFM Guard of Honour after the anthems of the two countries were played.

The King will hold official meetings tomorrow with the President, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and will lay a wreath at the foot of the War Memorial in Floriana.

Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos, who is accompanying the king, will have talks with Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and sign cooperation agreements.

Queen Sofia had to cancel her visit to Malta because she is indisposed.

The farewell ceremony, tomorrow afternoon, will be held on the Palace Square in Valletta.