I
am delighted to be in New York City again, on the occasion of the Institute?s 2005 Gold Medal Gala. It seems like only yesterday that I was here to receive the special Gold Medal celebrating the Institute?s fiftieth anniversary, at which time I was honoured to have the Institute formally change its name to Queen Sofia Spanish Institute.
Through the years, the volunteer Board of this unique organization has worked steadily and energetically to enhance the political and cultural ties between the United States and Spain and to broaden knowledge and understanding of Spanish and Latin American life and culture.
It has given me great pleasure to bestow the Institute?s Gold Medal upon Beatrice Santo Domingo, Julio Iglesias and Henry Kissinger, for their significant contribution to business and philanthropy, the arts, international relations and diplomacy.
I appreciate the presence here tonight of so many friends and benefactors of the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute who, with their constant support and encouragement, do so much to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Spain.
With Christmas coming soon, I want to finish by expressing to you all, and to the members of the Institute, my very best wishes of happiness and success for the new year 2006.
Thank you very much.