Zapatero greeted by two fronts in Spain's first official visit to the US since the Iraq war

AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero will meet with US President Barak Obama at the White House on Tuesday.

After years of strained relations with George W. Bush's administration over the Iraq war, Zapatero's visit will be the first official invitation of a Spanish premier to the White House since Spain withdrew its country's troops from Iraq. Zapatero argued in 2004 the US-led invasion was illegal. For the next four years, there was little or no contact between the Spanish administration and the United States government.

Tuesday's visit is seen as demonstrating a new understanding in bilateral relations.

The two counterparts meeting will cover a broad range of strategic issues of mutual concern, including implementing shared strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, working together to promote the global economic recovery and food security, and advancing goals with regard to Iran, Middle East peace efforts, and climate change.

Zapatero will be met, outside the White House, by Americans in solidarity with Spain’s citizens against his attempt to increase abortions. Spain's Prime Minister recently proposed a bill to liberalize Spain’s abortion law, allowing 16-year-olds to get abortions without parental consent.

Doctors in Spain facing being forced to perform abortions or thrown in jail will join a march sponsored by Spanish pro-life groups on October 17 in Madrid to protest Zapatero’s efforts to radicalize Spain’s abortion laws.

Concerned Women for America (CWA) and other pro-life activists will gather at the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue at 10:00 a.m. on October 13 during Zapatero’s visit.

“Spain’s pro-lifers and doctors can be encouraged that Americans stand with them against Zapatero’s attempt to increase abortions. Pictures of Americans supporting life and opposing Zapatero during his White House visit will be sent to Spain to build momentum for Spain’s march for life,” said CWA President Wendy Wright.

Meanwhile, back in the White House, Zapatero's government is expected to take the opportunity to inform Washington of its decision to take no more than three Guantanamo prisoners within its sovereign  territory.

After his Washington visit, Zapatero will fly to the Middle East to meet government leaders in Syria, Israel, the Palestinian territories and Lebanon.

According to a White House statement, Spain and the United States enjoy strong bilateral relations and partner together around the world to promote peace, and prosperity.  Spain, a NATO ally and holder of the EU Presidency in the first half of 2010, is a strong contributor to the NATO mission in Afghanistan.