The Spanish president has declared that he wants employment of women within the European Union (EU) to reach 70 per cent by 2020.

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero declared at the V Meeting of Spanish and African Women for a Better World that he supports the inclusion in the latest economic strategy of the "complete affirmation of equality between men and women".

Speaking at the close of the event in Valencia, the Spanish president stated it should become a "homogenous reality throughout Europe", in both urban and rural areas, as "when we encourage equality throughout the world, we are building a fairer future".

Spain currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU and Mr Zapatero recently emphasized the potential job creation benefits offered by social policy agreements within the trading bloc.

Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with business leaders and trade union officials, he also stressed the need to maintain the region's welfare model.