Santiago de Cuba, November 15 (RHC)-- The monarchs of Spain, Felipe VI, and Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano ended their visit to the island with a brief tour on Thursday afternoon of historic sites in Santiago de Cuba, linked to the Hispanic-Cuban-American war.

Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, member of the Council of State and president of the Government in that province, welcomed the distinguished visitors and accompanied them on their tour of the San Pedro de la Roca Morro Castle, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

In this symbolic site, their Majesties unveiled a plaque in remembrance of their visit and honored the 323 Spaniards killed in the naval battle of Santiago Bay.

Finally, they toured the historic San Juan Hill Park, where Spanish soldiers clashed with U.S. troops 121 years ago.

On Wednesday, the King and Queen of Spain, Felipe VI, and Letizia Ortíz Rocasolano offered a reciprocity dinner at Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, in which the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, participated.

Addressing the guests, King Felipe VI expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome resulting from the shared history of the cultural fusion, sympathy, and brotherhood of the Spanish and Cuban peoples, and assured that Spain could contribute to the development of Cuba.

The President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel, conveyed an affectionate greeting from the Cuban people and governments and appreciated the visit of Their Majesties on the occasion of the 500 years of Havana.

Diaz-Canel explained that Spain is an indissoluble part of the island’s nationality and added that the Iberian country has especially been on Cuba’s side in different scenarios.