MADRID – After the arrival of the last troops with Afghan evacuees, politicians and the King of Spain visited the places where the refugees took their first steps in Spain last weekend. “Proud, grateful and bittersweet,” said Robles of Defense.
Last weekend the Spanish newspaper Niusdiario wrote about the visit of the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles to the Zaragoza airbase. In front of nearly 100 soldiers, she thanked the Air Force for their heroic work in Kabul evacuating Afghan civilians.
Proud and grateful
Robles was accompanied by various dignitaries from the Defense and Air Force. She spoke to the soldiers and later also met families of the soldiers. On Saturday evening, the last soldiers arrived who were then able to embrace their families again, to loud applause.
She told the media she was proud of the military’s dedication. And of the results they achieved in bringing so many Afghan civilians to safety. Yet it also felt ‘bittersweet’ because the Spanish Air Force was unable to help more people.
Spanish king and Pedro Sánchez visit refugee camp
On Saturday, Felipe VI of Spain and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also visited the Torrejón de Ardoz airbase in Madrid. The King and Prime Minister of Spain wanted to express their thanks to the staff and volunteers working so hard to receive and accompany the Afghan refugees.
Both men, together with seven ministers, were informed of all the progress and shown around the relief camp. The visit took almost two hours. The last Spanish troops with evacuees arrived at the camp on Friday
It was previously announced how the refugees were received in Torrejón. And also what happens after the people are housed in tents and pavilions. The Spanish king and ministers could clearly see how hard the soldiers and volunteers work to ensure everything runs smoothly.