Sushma to receive 'Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit' award in Spain

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived here on Monday on the last leg of her trip to three nation visit of Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain.

The Spanish government will confer a prestigious award the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit' on Swaraj on Tuesday.

The coveted award will be given to the Minister as recognition by the Spanish government of India's "swift response" through Operation Maitri in rescuing 71 Spanish nationals from Nepal in April 2015 during the disastrous earthquake.

"Buenas tardes, Espana. In the 3rd and final leg of her trip, EAM Sushma Swaraj arrived in Madrid Spain. Her engagements include bilateral meeting with her counterpart and interaction with Indian community," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

As first key engagement in Spain, Swaraj interacted with the Indian community in Spain. She thanked the community for their contribution in diverse fields and promoting India-Spain relations.

Swaraj is in Spain at the invitation of her counterpart Josep Borrell Fontelles, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs.

MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar said last week that Ms Swaraj's visit to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain will strengthen India's relations with them and also "expand avenues" of cooperation on the regional and the global issues of importance.