Tony Blair set to meet King of Spain in Palma

Tony Blair is expected to arrive in Minorca in the middle of next month to briefly join Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar and his family, before coming to Majorca to meet King Juan Carlos of Spain in Palma. Although sources for Downing Street have admitted that they “would be surprised” if Blair does go ahead with the visit to Spain, it appears that as far as the Balearics are concerned, arrangements are being made for the historic trip by the British Prime Minister. The visit by Blair will be a clear indication that the good relationship between the British and Spanish prime ministers remains solid and has not been dented by continual spats over Gibraltar and the controversy over the nuclear submarine HMS Tireless which arose earlier this year. Blair considers Spain to be one of Britain's most important allies in Europe and it was the close relationship between the two leaders which prevented the outburst over Gibraltar being a “duty-free parasite” by Spain's Foreign Minister Josep Pique from severing the close ties between the two countries. This will not be the first time Blair and his family have come to Spain, Tony and Cherie Blair joined the Aznars last summer. Blair, a talented guitarist, is also a big fan of flamenco music, one inspired Spanish televission journalist even presented the Prime Minister with a miniature plastic yellow guitar during a visit last year.