Schroeder to have talks with Zapatero

26 April 2004

BERLIN – German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will have talks Wednesday with Spain’s new Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the government said in a statement.

European Union and international themes will dominate the agenda, said the statement which did not give further details.

Zapatero was elected last month after suspected Islamic extremists set off bombs in Madrid trains killing almost 200 people.

Immediately after taking office Zapatero ordered the withdrawal of Spanish troops serving in Iraq.

Chancellor Schroeder and French President Jacques Chirac led European opposition to the Iraq war and Zapatero has said he wants to forge closer Spanish ties with both countries.