Diplomacy is no laughing matter, but when two friends take the stage, some levity is bound to happen.
George Mason University President Ángel Cabrera hosted Ramón Gil-Casares, H.E. the Ambassador of Spain, at the Freedom and Learning Forum on Tuesday.
Cabrera created the Freedom and Learning Forum to bring extraordinary thought leaders from around the world to engage with the campus community in an interactive dialogue series.
And while these two Spanish natives discussed the serious topics of Spanish politics, economics and diplomacy, their friendship also shone through.
About that tweet
“I would pray,” joked Gil-Casares when Cabrera asked him how to make amends after tweeting about a Freedom and Learning Forum invitee who got lost on the way to the forum last January. That’s Pedro Sanchez, leader of Spain’s Socialist Party, who may become Spain’s next president.
House of Cards or West Wing?
Spain’s White House is neither. “We don’t have the sophistication of evil,” Gil-Casares said of the popular Netflix series. As for “The West Wing,” Spanish politicians vote with their party, so wheeling and dealing across the aisle isn’t a factor in passing legislation, he said.
Olive oil ice cream?
“It’s delicious,” said Gil-Casares, who espouses the nouvelle cuisine approach to traditional Spanish dishes.
Want to make career diplomats cry?
Cue up the national anthem when they’re announced at a formal event, Gil-Casares said. “You say, ‘This is for me?’ And you understand why athletes cry.”
How to start an argument between two Spaniards in the Washington, D.C., region
Ask them where to find the best paella.
“The best paella in town is served at the Embassy of Spain,” Gil-Casares said.
Cabrera disagreed: “I am very proud of my paella.”