Obama, King Felipe Support United Spain Ahead of Catalonia Election

In the wake of upcoming Catalonia's election that may lead to the win of the pro-independence party, both US President and Spanish King affirmed their commitment to the united country.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US President Barack Obama and Spanish King Felipe both affirmed their commitment to a unified Spain on Tuesday, ahead of a September election which may bring to power the pro-independence party of Catalonia.

"As a matter of foreign policy, we are deeply committed to maintaining a relationship with a strong and unified Spain," President Obama said following a bilateral meeting at the White House.

In his remarks, King Felipe emphasized "unity" as a value shared by both Spain and the United States.

On September 27, the Spanish region of Catalonia will be holding elections. Polls taken last week show the Independence Coalition party ahead by a slim margin.

If elected, the Independence Party will press the government in Madrid for an official vote on independence.

In November 2014, the Catalonian government held a non-binding independence referendum in which 80 percent of voters approved the establishment of Catalonia as an independent state.