US sees Spain as partner despite differences over Iraq

US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick has said that his country continues to view Spain as a partner despite differences between the two countries over the Iraq war.

In an interview published Monday by the Spanish daily El Pais, Zoellick termed the bilateral ties as close.

Bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism has been very close although the differences over the Iraq war remain, he said.

The US-Spain relationship soured after Socialist Prime MinisterJose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero took office in April 2004 and withdrew 1,300 Spanish troops from Iraq soon afterwards.

Zoellick, who was on a charm offensive to repair the relations with Spain, met with Zapatero on Sunday in Madrid.

Zoellick said he shared with Zapatero "certain points of view" while they have differences with respect to the Middle East.

About Latin America, he said the United States needs to know how Spain will use its influence in the region, especially in Colombia and Venezuela.

"The Spanish influence and the way of its being utilized are two very important issues," said Zoellick.

Source: Xinhua