An official welcome ceremony for the Russian President was held in El Pardo Palace, the official royal residence and the place where Vladimir Putin will reside during his stay in Spain. The Russian President and his spouse were warmly welcomed by His Majesty King of Spain Juan Carlos I and Queen Sophia. The Spanish royal couple gave a dinner in honour of their Russian visitors.
In the evening, President Vladimir Putin attended the Mayor’s Office in the Spanish capital. The Mayor of Madrid, Mr Ruiz-Gallardon Jimenez, gave President Putin the Golden Key of Madrid. Mr Putin thanked the Mayor of Madrid for the present and said that he considers this gift not only a sign of trust and respect, but also one of partnership between the peoples of Russia and Spain.