King Felipe VI of Spain, accompanied by Queen Letizia, is on a state visit to Italy, marking the tenth anniversary of his reign.
The visit underscores the deep ties between Italy and Spain, as highlighted by the warm reception from Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale.
During his visit, King Felipe awarded President Mattarella the Collar of Carlos III, Spain's highest honor, typically reserved for Spanish nationals.
The King, who spoke in Italian at the Chamber of Deputies, praised President Mattarella as a key figure for Italy and a personal inspiration.
The visit also included discussions on climate change and European Union reforms, emphasizing the shared challenges and cooperation between the two nations.
This visit is particularly significant given the recent environmental disasters in Spain and the ongoing political challenges both countries face.