Spanish film star Antonio Banderas said here Thursday that Mexico has a “very special” place in his heart.

Banderas was invited to Cancun, Mexico’s tourist mecca, as guest of honor at the inauguration of a new hotel belonging to Spain’s Iberostar chain.

“Mexico has a very essential place in my heart. There are many, many things that join me to this land, to its people,” the actor and producer told reporters.

He also stressed the need for job creation in Mexico.

“I am here to add my little grain a sand, so you know I’m on your side,” he said at a press conference where he was accompanied by Iberostar CEO Miguel Fluxa and Mexican Tourism Secretary Gloria Guevara, among others.