Madrid, Aug 2, SPA -- The Spanish government Tuesday paid tribute to the late King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz, who died yesterday and recalled his contribution to peace in the Middle East and his strong ties with Spain. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry underscored King Fahd'srole in the plan named after him in the late 1970s whichbegan pushing ahead the idea of an independent Palestinian statewhich was adopted by the Arab League and the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1982. The Associated Press said the statement also praised King Fahd's role in bringing an end to the Lebanese civil war and his interest in seeking a solution to the Western Sahara conflict. The ministry also made note of the strong ties between theSpanish and Saudi royal families which it said were reflected in the regular meetings between King Fahd and Spain's King Juan Carlos. King Juan Carlos plans to travel to Riyadh soon to offerhis condolences to the Saudi royal family and greet KingAbdullah Bin Abdulaziz, a spokesman for the Zarzuela Palace in Madridsaid. --SPA1314 Local Time 1014 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/280575