Washington - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Honorary Chairman of the United States-Spain Council, met with his Spanish counterpart today to finalize plans for the U.S.-Spain Council Annual Forum which will take place in New Jersey the weekend of June 22-24, 2012. Mr. Juan Rodríguez Inciarte, President of the Fundación Consejo España-Estados Unidos, discussed positive developments in Spain's economy, and Senator Menendez said the Annual Forum, which is expected to be attended by the highest level government delegation in its 17-year history, will provide the ideal platform from which to highlight key issues of importance for the United States and Spain, including the efforts of both countries to tackle their economic challenges.

"I was pleased to hear that the fundamentals of the Spanish economy remain sufficiently solid to position Spain for real economic improvements and I look forward to the exchange between government leaders and key business executives during the U.S.-Spain Council Annual Forum in June," said Menendez. "I have no doubt that our shared history and commitment to strengthened ties between the two countries will result in constructive dialogue around increasing trade and investment at this critical juncture in both countries' histories."

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