King Felipe VI has wanted to dedicate a "special mention" to Venezuela, "a much-loved country", to convey his "affection" and send "a big hug" after the two earthquakes registered on Thursday morning, which according to the latest balance from the Venezuelan Government have left 920 dead and 3,360 injured.
During the meeting with the Spanish community in Guadalajara (Mexico), the monarch took the opportunity to also send a message "of affection, solidarity, and support" to Spaniards residing in Venezuela. According to the most recent balance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of Spanish citizens killed by the earthquakes amounts to five, and the number of missing persons remains at 119.
"As we learn the data and the news becomes more serious," the King lamented, underlining the growing dimension of the tragedy. In this regard, Felipe VI emphasized that the Government of Spain has already sent emergency teams, including members of the UME, and has taken for granted that "there will be other contributions" that "can be launched in the coming hours or days."
Official trip of King Felipe VI to Mexico
The monarch's words are part of his official trip to Mexico, where he has gone at the invitation of President Claudia Sheinbaum to watch the World Cup football match between Spain and Uruguay, "in a context of intensification of bilateral relations" between Spain and Mexico that will serve to strengthen "the bonds of closeness and affinity that unite both peoples."
"I did not want to miss the opportunity (...) to convey our affection from Spain and to celebrate together this magnificent relationship that has existed between Spain and Mexico for so long," Felipe VI expressed, highlighting the long history of cooperation and understanding between both countries.