ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — King Juan Carlos of Spain began a visit to the Persian Gulf region on Monday by telling United Arab Emirates officials that deepening ties with their oil-rich country was a top priority, highlighting the role wealthy Arab states could play in shoring up the battered Spanish economy.

The Spanish head of state made the comments at the start of an economic forum in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi, his first stop on a tour of six Gulf nations planned in the next few months. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes several Spanish government ministers and representatives of major Spanish companies.