Obama congratulates Felipe VI on becoming Spain's king

U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday offered his congratulations to Felipe VI on his investiture as King of Spain.

"I look forward to working closely with King Felipe VI and continuing to strengthen this bond in the years to come," Obama said in a statement.

Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de Todos los Santos de Borbon y Grecia was proclaimed King of Spain Thursday at the Spanish parliament after his father Juan Carlos sanctioned the law on his abdication on Wednesday evening.

"We are grateful to King Juan Carlos I for his friendship and leadership in guiding Spain's democracy and deepening the transatlantic relationship," Obama said.

As Spain celebrates the transition and looks ahead to the future, the American people celebrate along with the people of Spain, Obama said.

Spain is a valued ally of the United States, Obama said, adding that "we share strong ties, steeped in history." Endite