Brussels, 11/05/2004 (Agence Europe) - In an interview on Spanish radio on Tuesday, the president of the Spanish government José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero affirmed that the "main priority and strategy of Spain, is its European vocation". He declared that Europe came first, followed by its relations with Latin America and the Mediterranean and afterwards by its trans-Altantic relations. He added that it was normal to have the best possible relations, no matter which government was in office in Paris or Berlin or other European capitals and the countries with whom "we have built economic and monetary union, we share a currency and will share the same common defence system". The Head of the Spanish government pointed out the decisive role played by European countries, particularly France and Germany in supporting the democratic transition in Spain following General Franco's death. Mentioning the essential role played by European partners in "our development, progress and well being", Mr Zapatero pointed out that they had contributed to "1% of our GDP allowing us to build roads, dams, schools and ensure the training of our workers". He also underlined the "recognition that Spanish society has to demonstrate to the whole of the EU, which had helped democracy and economic well being in Spain so much". He concluded that this was perfectly compatible with good relations with the USA and that there was NATO too, as well as their trans-Alantic relations but Europe came first.