This mirrors the relationship with the United Kingdom itself, one that goes back hundreds of years, based on common values and common interests.

Because we have seen the world in the same way, through the same way for centuries.

And we together defended those core values from these very shores.

In 1801 Gibraltar served as a base for the US Navy during its action against the Barbary Pirates.

Dr. Garcia said: "We welcomed their warships here to restore order at sea; to protect merchant shipping; to maintain the safe passage of vessels through this strategic strait behind me, one of the most important waterways in the world.”

“Their presence here two hundred and eighteen years ago marked the first-ever engagement of the United States Navy abroad, and it took place in Gibraltar.”

Fast forward from 1801 to 2019," He added, "Only a few months ago we hosted the submarine USS Olympia, our guest in Gibraltar for some three weeks.”

“British Gibraltar has stood guard over this vital sea route since 1704. In all that time we have protected western interests where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Where Europe meets Africa. Some things will never change. Gibraltar continues to enforce international law in this part of the world.”

And he went on, "This 4th July, on your Independence Day, our law enforcement agencies and the Royal Marines boarded a tanker loaded with oil from Iran. It was bound for Syria in breach of EU sanctions. The vessel is still detained. It is now subject to a legal process and to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar.”

“The truth is that Gibraltar has been there for the United Kingdom and the United States when the chips are down," he noted. "For the good and for the bad, through thick and thin. We have never dallied or shirked our responsibilities. That is what friends and allies do, this is what we do.”

FORTY SHIPS BASED IN GIBRALTAR

He went back to the First World War when forty US vessels and four hundred US Servicemen were based here in Gibraltar. They were under the command of a US Navy Rear Admiral. Their role was to protect convoys of merchant ships. Those vessels guarded supply routes into the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic and northwards to the United Kingdom.

Gibraltar became, in the words of the US Admiral Niblack, the most important point of the assembly of convoys in the World. Indeed, the US Government erected a War Memorial here in 1932 to mark the crucial role played by Gibraltar during that conflict. It was here where there was a wreath-laying ceremony yesterday.

Dr. Garcia continued by saying, "I did so on behalf of the Government and the people of Gibraltar, and so I did with pride. These historic connections matter to us, I know that they matter to you too," He told the dinner.

“During the Second World War, General Eisenhower himself planned Operation Torch, the landings of North America from a secure command centre inside the very heart of the rock itself.”

“Your visit here this week is proof of the continuing special relationship that we share, in some two years that Gibraltar has had the pleasure to welcome members of the US Congress. In the current global political climate, it is increasingly important to maintain and promote our shared fundamental beliefs, he said.”

And stressed: “We believe in freedom, we believe in democracy, we believe in justice, we believe in self-determination, in standing up for what is right. Because to echo the words of the declaration, all men are created equal and they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, including Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

SELF DETERMINATION

“That right to self-determination was exercised hundreds of years ago when the United States emerged from colonial rule. Then it did not even exist in principle in international law. But this is what effectively your ancestors exercised.”

"I defended that right at Princeton University in October. It is relevant that the address took place at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Because Woodrow Wilson himself championed the self-determination of peoples long before that question had an answer that most of the world could agree upon."

"I, therefore, want to thank Congressman Holding and thirty-five members of Congress who today have supported Resolution 199 about Gibraltar in the US House of Representatives."

"This includes all of you. Congressman Calvert, Congressman Cook, Congressman Marchant, Congressman Rouzer. Thank you all," he added.

The resolution is bi-partisan. It acknowledges the support that Gibraltar given to the United States over the years.

It also recognises that the people of Gibraltar should decide their own future as a UK Overseas Territory.

And so, whilst we share an experience of the past, together we must face the challenges and threats of an uncertain future.

There are rising security challenges in the Mediterranean region. These have wide implications. Serious consequences. There can be no doubt that this region and indeed the world is safer with Gibraltar in British hands.

The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the busiest shipping lanes on the planet. The professional services offered by Gibraltar Port are important to the safe transport of fuel, food, and goods globally.

Our strategic location will only become increasingly significant.

New challenges of security, climate, and human migration will evolve over the coming years.

WRONG FOR SPAIN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BREXIT

“But on the immediate horizon, we face the significant political challenge of Brexit – the UK's departure from the European Union. It would be wrong for Spain to seek to take advantage of Brexit to advance its narrow political interests over Gibraltar.”

“There is too much going on in Europe and this region. Too much at stake and no room for needless disruption. We need stability. We need security. This is particularly vital in this part of the Mediterranean.”

“Our work on Brexit, together with the United Kingdom, will assist in underpinning Gibraltar's future economic success.”

“It is important to note, in this time of transition, that Gibraltar has solid support and assurances from London.”

“The Chief Minister and I have heard this directly from three UK Prime Ministers, David Cameron, Theresa May and now Boris Johnson.”

“Those assurances, therefore, come from the highest level in the United Kingdom. They are also cross-party. They respect and protect British sovereignty. Our right to self-determination. Our very existence and way of life. No matter what final form our exit from the European Union might take.”

“As a jurisdiction, Gibraltar has led by example. We are determined to uphold our reputation for implementing the gold standard across all financial service industries and indeed in everything else that we do.”

“The representatives of the Gibraltar AMCHAM here present will vouch for that. the vigor of our approach has generated worldwide attention.”

US media outlets from the New York Times to the Washington Post to CNN have all demonstrated a keen interest in the Gibraltar Story.

And he went on: "Distinguished delegates, one overriding message prevails. We are both strong and versatile. We are keen to build on our existing relationships and to foster new ones. And we are open for business. An important consideration in any post-Brexit UK-US trade deal.”

US PRESIDENTS WHO HAVE VISITED GIBRALTAR

Dr Garcia, who is a historian, reminded the visiting Congressmen: "Let me remind you that in stepping on this rock this week you have followed the footsteps of President Grant who came here in 1878; of President Theodore Roosevelt who was here in 1909; of President Dwight Eisenhower in 1942 and President George H W Bush in 1994

"We want to build on that connection for younger generations too. Gibraltar is proud to continue and renew internships in Washington for our young people. Over one hundred have taken advantage of the opportunity so far.”

"They take to DC the knowledge and skills of their University Degrees. In return, they bring back a unique experience, the perspective, and networks that only Washington can offer."

"These young people will ensure the progression into the future of our very special relationship. Some of them are here with us this evening."

And his message to Congress was clear: "I hope that likewise, you will return to the United States with a better understanding of what Gibraltar has to offer, of what Gibraltar has done and what it continues to do – of what we represent, for Gibraltar has always punched above its weight. We know full well the role we play in the wider World outside. We get the bigger picture."

And we hope, friends, that you will spread our message. The same way as you can count on us, we too can count on you. Thank you."

WELCOME

*At the start of his speech he said: “A very special welcome to our guests from the Congress of the United States of America."

“Let me start by saying thank you to the foreign and commonwealth office; to the British Embassy in Washington; and to my staff in Convent place for making this visit happen, in particular to Ernest Francis who has led on this matter.”

02-08-19 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR