The President of the Basque Country urges the new Basque diaspora to play an active role in "opportunities" for the Basque Country in the United States.

• Imanol Pradales expresses his gratitude to the Basque community in Washington, recognising their contributions to the global visibility of Basque Country and their ongoing efforts to preserve the cultural and social heritage of the Basque people.
• President Pradales stands "against imperialist temptations, unchecked protectionism, and divisive bloc politics, [and] for multilateral agreements"

The President of the Basque Country has launched his first official visit to the United States with a meeting alongside the Basque community in Washington — a pivotal moment for deepening political, economic, and cultural ties between Euskadi and the US.  Addressing the gathering, Imanol Pradales underscored the vital role of the new Basque diaspora in this strategy, calling on them to serve as a bridge between the two nations: "We need your insight and involvement. The strength of the new Basque diaspora — the strength you represent — is essential.  We want you to be our antennae in the United States, helping us uncover new opportunities along the way.”

Pradales extended his gratitude to the Basque community in the US for their ongoing efforts to uphold the cultural and social heritage of the Basque people, acknowledging their role in promoting the Basque Country on the international stage. He also emphasised the profound values shared between the Basque Country and the United States: "We reaffirm our founding principles more firmly than ever:  Democracy, Peace, Freedom, Security, Equality, and Social Justice  — values we proudly share with the US American people.”

The President reaffirmed the Basque Country’s unwavering commitment to global market integration and the defence of international trade as essential pathways to progress and collective prosperity. In this regard, he emphasised that "we are advancing with our 'Global Euskadi' Strategy, which is designed to foster the growth of the Basque Country both as a nation and in terms of social well-being.”

Closing his remarks, Pradales reiterated the Basque Country’s dedication to international cooperation, advocating for building bridges rather than barriers. In a world shaped by growing uncertainty, he stressed the urgent need to reinforce alliances and international cooperation: "Against imperialist temptations, unchecked protectionism, and divisive bloc politics, we stand for multilateral agreements," declared the President, underlining that the core objective of his visit is to bolster transatlantic ties and unlock new opportunities across political, economic, business, and social spheres.

11 March Agenda

The President’s agenda in the United States moves forward today, Tuesday 11 March, with crucial meetings lined up — including talks with Republican Senator James E. Risch and Democratic Congressman John Garamendi, a politician of Basque origins.

The day will also feature discussions with business leaders and conclude with Pradales participating in a roundtable at George Washington University. Additionally, the President will visit the sapling of the Tree of Gernika, planted in 2016 at the Capitol’s Peace Park.