The Spanish foreign minister said after the Spain's King Juan Carlos and the US chief executive shared a working lunch at the White House that President Barack Obama has King Juan Carlos that he would like to visit the Iberian nation.

Miguel Angel Moratinos said at a press conference on Wednesday, following the meeting that Obama recalled past journeys to Spain and expressed a desire to return, but there was no discussion of dates or an agenda.

Though adding that contrary to earlier comments by Spanish officials, Juan Carlos did not convey a formal written invitation, the king assured Obama that "he would be very welcome", the foreign minister said.

Spain took over the EU rotating presidency Jan 1 and will relinquish it at the end of June.

US National Security Adviser James Jones and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Moratinos and the top official of the Spanish royal household, Alberto Aza were also present at the White House lunch, which went on longer than expected.

Prepared by renowned Spanish chef and restaurateur Jose Andres, the lunch consisted of an arugula salad with apple and thyme, grilled shrimp with tomato sauce and apple tart.

Praising the state of US-Spanish relations, Obama said he would like to expand bilateral cooperation on issues relating to the Middle East and Latin America, regions where Madrid has influence.

Moratinos said Obama expressed appreciation for Spain's contribution in Afghanistan, where around 1,000 Spanish troops are serving with the NATO-led security force, and for Madrid's willingness to accept five detainees from Guantanamo. (With Input from Agencies)