WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump's meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (all times local):
12:45 p.m.
President Donald Trump says he and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (mah-ree-AH'-noh rah-HOY') will discuss trade and other issues.
The leaders are meeting at the White House on Tuesday, days before a critical secession vote Sunday in Spain.
The region of Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, wants to separate from Spain. Spain's federal government says such a vote would be illegal.
Neither leader mentioned the vote during brief remarks as they appeared before journalists in the Oval Office.
Rajoy says the two countries have good cooperation on defense and terrorism issues.
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12:25 p.m.
President Donald Trump is welcoming Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (mah-ree-AH'-noh rah-HOY') to the White House days before a crucial secession vote in his country.
The regional government in Catalonia is holding a binding referendum Sunday on separating from Spain. But the Spanish government insists such a vote is illegal and promises it won't take place. Catalonia is one of Spain's 17 autonomous regions. Its capital is the Mediterranean port city of Barcelona, a favorite for tourists.
State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert recently said the U.S. has no position on the referendum.
She says the U.S. will work with any government or entity that comes out of the vote.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday she had nothing to add to the State Department's position on the issue.