MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / June 10, 2013) – The Philippines and Spain held a high level political consultations in Madrid under the framework of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation of 2000, according to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Evan Garcia.
In a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner, Garcia said he and Spanish Vice Minister and Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs Gonzalo de Benito led their respective delegations in the consultations held recently.
Both countries exchanged updates on bilateral political, economic and socio-cultural relations and acknowledged the importance of the holding of political consultations every year at the sub-ministerial level.
Garcia invited Spanish Crown Prince Felipe to visit Manila and so is De Benito who also invited President Benigno Aquino to visit Spain.
The Philippines and Spain agreed that the Public-Private Partnership program launched by the Aquino administration will pave the way for opportunities for both countries to develop joint ventures in the priority areas of renewable energy, infrastructure, agri-business, transport and tourism.
The Philippines also expressed appreciation for the humanitarian support extended by Spain. The Philippines remains a priority for development cooperation and is the only country in Asia which Spain has kept its development assistance program.
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