Madrid, September 11: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez arrived in Madrid Friday for talks with Spain’s prime minister and monarch, declaring his country was now “equal” to its former colonial masters.
On arriving at his hotel, Chavez told Spanish media he rejected the idea of Spain as Latin America’s gate to Europe.
“We do not need these gates, we should not continue repeating colonialist cliches. We are are equals,” said the president, who arrived in Madrid from Moscow.
Chavez is due to meet Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and King Juan Carlos later Friday.
A visit to Spain was not originally on the programme of Chavez’ tour of the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.
Chavez and Spanish leaders were expected to discuss subjects including the situation in Latin America and the Middle East during the visit.
—–Agencies