On Monday, King Felipe VI of Spain visited Barcelona in the politically divided region of Catalonia. His Majesty attended the inauguration of the 30th edition of Gastech, the main meeting place for gas and Liquefied Natural Gas professionals from all over the world. The official opening was carried out by the King together with a group of representatives from Spanish companies.
More than 90 countries are being represented at the fair in the different stages of the gas value chain, more than 700 international exhibitors are present, and more than 30,000 attendees are expected to participate.
Following the opening, His Majesty undertook a guided tour of the exhibition. Here the King had the opportunity to learn more about strategies and progress of all levels of the global gas value chain, LNG, the energy industry and related sectors.
His Majesty King Felipe of Spain. Photo: Gabri Solera (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)/Flickr
The King also heard a few of the 350 speakers who are sharing their knowledge during the various seminars that are being held. From Ministers, Political Officers and Government officials attended alongside presidents, CEOs, research teams, Project Managers and engineers that will speak during the event.
The King’s visit to the region was announced last week following a large protest from those wanting Catalonian independence from Spain. There were rumours that the King was to talk representatives from the separatist movement on Monday, however, there is no confirmation this happened.
This visit marks the fifth visit of the monarch to Catalonia so far this year. He previously visited to pay tribute to the victims of the 2017 terror-attack on 17 August one year after the event and responded to an attempt of political normalisation to stop the escalation of tension between unionists and separatists. The King also visited on June 28 on the occasion of the Princess of Girona awards.
