Words from the President of the Government when meeting Spanish military personnel deployed at forward operating bases in Afghanistan

Qala-I-Now (Afghanistan)

I would like to begin by saying that, for me, as a Spaniard and as President of the Government of Spain, it fills me with satisfaction and pride to be able to spend some time with you at such a special time of the year as this.

I wanted to share some Christmas cheer with all of you, even if only for a few moments. However, it has also given me the chance to see with my own eyes some of the things we usually only find out about on paper, through reports, telephone conversations, what we're told by other people, etc. etc. There's actually no better way to see what's going on and discover the reality than by being in the middle of things.

I want to tell you all that the work undertaken by the Spanish units deployed here, and you've been carrying out this work for a number of years now, has brought an enormous improvement to the quality of life in this province; a province for which we, the people of Spain, are responsible. This province is probably the toughest region in Afghanistan, the region with the greatest risks, where the difficulties are largest and where the greatest efforts are being made. This often imposes a great strain on the forward operating bases, about which I have been told some truly remarkable facts.

Therefore, I want the work, the effort and the dedication to be maintained. I also want to highlight the importance of the consultancy units that undertake an enormously delicate task, together with Afghan military personnel and police officers. They are a key part of these operations, truly essential, and enable the Afghan Army and Police to achieve what we're aiming for here; in other words, assume responsibility for security within the established deadlines.

I would also like to highlight the work done by the civilian component of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, partly represented by the personnel of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, and the importance of the projects to improve social and economic conditions in the region. The Afghans themselves recognise this work. It is truly striking to witness certain things we've not seen in our own country for many years. For that reason, I think that, besides the permanent work of a military nature and the assistance being provided through training, the act of helping people and the fact that there are children for whom it has been possible to save losing their legs, children of three and four, is something about which we can legitimately feel extremely proud and which justifies the work being done here. There are many other reasons that justify your work but that alone would be sufficient.

We now have a difficult task ahead: not only do we need to establish the conditions to enable the transition to be completed by the end of 2014 but we must undertake the withdrawal of our own units while guaranteeing efficiency and security at all times. For that reason, I want to once again highlight and call your attention to the need for you not to lower your guard and for you to remain focused until the end of the mission because the mission stands above all else and there is only one thing more important than the mission: security.

Dear friends,

You, Spanish soldiers, have been here for many years just as you've been in many other parts of the world, and will carry on doing so in the future. Your work and your sacrifice have a clear purpose; a purpose that gives meaning to everything you do. They represent freedom, they represent dignity, they represent respect for human rights and they represent better living conditions for the people. For that reason, I tell you that you can, and should, feel legitimately proud of what you do and you should also know that, by doing so, you make Spain proud.

I wish to end by offering you encouragement and my recognition of your work. What I've seen here has impressed me greatly and I will take away a hugely positive impression. For many years, because I have been around for a while now, I have been witnessing many things; but you learn something new everyday. In a very short time here, I have learned a great deal. I've seen that there are people who do what they do with eagerness, spirit and dedication. I am comforted by that. As you know, Spain is currently going through some tough times. If we were all to work with that same spirit, were to meet our obligations, were to say "I am going to do what is required of me" no matter what anyone else does, things would be better. But they will improve. Things will get better. Next year, 2013, will be better in Spain and the year after that, 2014, will be the year Spain returns to the path of economic growth and job creation.

As you embark upon the final period of your time here, I hope that you remain strong and I am absolutely convinced that you will. I want you to know that you are supported by a great nation, a nation this is Spain, and by many millions of Spaniards who are proud to be Spanish and are proud to have an Army that, alongside the great armies of the world, fights the most important battles to be found: the battles to defend freedom and to defend people.

Christmas Eve is upon us and of course Christmas will follow. And you will have to be here. It's always tough to be away from your family, but you can rest assured that your families are waiting for you back home. They are fully aware of what you're doing and accept the situation with affection, love and compassion.

Now, I will ask you to raise your glasses and join me in toasting Spain's first soldier. Mr. Minister, authorities, commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers and troops, to the King! - to the Armed Forces! - to Spain - Merry Christmas!