Spain's King Juan Carlos and visiting Argentine President Nestor Kirchner on Wednesday in Madrid hailed relations between the two countries and pledged to provide reciprocal support.

At the luncheon, the king praised Kirchner for his performance in pulling Argentina out of an economic crisis, and vowed to extend further support for the South American nation.

"Spaniards have always been, and will always be, at Argentina's side, in good times and the most difficult times, happy for Argentina's successes and feeling the country's hopes and problems as our own. Nothing that happens in Argentina is alien for us," the King said.

Kirchner thanked Spain on behalf of Argentina for the nation's "permanent solidarity" and praised the "fluid dialogue" between the two countries, and the coinciding of their views on many international matters.

He added that Argentina supported the Alliance of Civilizations, a Spanish initiative to bring together Islamic and Christian nations.

"We cannot have leadership imposed by force," he added.

Kirchner arrived here Tuesday on a five-day tour with economic topics high on his agenda.

He is expected to seek favorable new terms in paying back the 1 billion U.S. dollars Argentina owes Madrid.

Kirchner is also scheduled to meet major Spanish business leaders to call for more investment.

Source: Xinhua