PHL, SPAIN HOLD HIGH LEVEL POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS IN MADRID 09 June 2013 – Under the framework of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation of 2000, the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain held High Level Political Consultations in Madrid on June 07. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia and Spanish Vice Minister and Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs Gonzalo de Benito led their respective delegations in the consultations. The Philippines and Spain exchanged updates on bilateral political, economic and socio-cultural relations. Both sides acknowledged the importance of the holding of political consultations every year at the sub-ministerial level. Undersecretary Garcia renewed the invitation of the Philippine government for the visit to the Philippines of Crown Prince Felipe. Likewise, Vice Minister de Benito reiterated the invitation of the Spanish government for the visit to Spain of President Benigno S. Aquino III. The Philippines and Spain agreed that the Public-Private Partnership program launched by the administration of President Aquino 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 expressed appreciation for the humanitarian support extended by Spain. The Spanish government confirmed that the Philippines remains a priority for development cooperation and is the only country in Asia which Spain has kept its development assistance program. Both sides exchanged views on consular matters as a means to reach out to the nationals of both countries. Both countries also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of common concern and agreed on the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes. The Philippines and Spain issued a joint statement at the conclusion of the meeting. END JOINT STATEMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN ON THE HIGH LEVEL POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS HELD IN MADRID ON 07 JUNE 2013 The Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain held High Level Political Consultations in Madrid on 7th June 2013, under the framework of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation of 2000. The Honorable Evan P. García, Undersecretary for Policy at the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, and the Honorable Gonzalo de Benito Secades, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain, led their respective delegations. Both sides expressed their satisfaction at the present state of bilateral relations, reflecting both the deep historical and cultural ties binding the Philippines and Spain, and the common values shared by the two peoples. The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to explore new ways to strengthen these relations, among others, through the promotion of people to people contacts. In this respect, they welcomed the celebration of the 11th Philippines-Spain Friendship Day this year and the convening of the 7th Tribuna España-Filipinas in Spain in 2014. The Philippines and Spain noted with satisfaction the growth of bilateral trade and agreed to explore further opportunities to increase investment. The Philippines welcomed the continued interest expressed by the Spanish private sector to expand economic ties with the Philippines. The Public-Private Partnership launched by the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III offers an excellent opportunity to develop joint ventures and other forms of business cooperation. Sectors which are specially promising are renewable energy, infrastructure, agri-business, transport and tourism, among others. Both sides reviewed with satisfaction the current state of development cooperation. The Philippines continues to be a priority country for Spain’s development cooperation. Both sides look forward to the signing of the new 2013-2016 Strategic Partnership Framework for Development Cooperation. The two sides examined the progress in cultural relations since the convening of the 1st bilateral Standing Committee in October 2012, under the framework of the Agreement on Cultural, Sports and Education Cooperation. In the intervening months, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Information and Communications Technologies was signed and the first steps for the implementation of the Program on Sports Cooperation between the Consejo Superior Deportes and the Philippines Sports Commission have been undertaken. They welcomed the progress in the Mutual Recognition Agreement on Higher Education Studies and Academic Programs. They also welcomed the progress of the promotion of the Spanish language in Philippine schools. Concerning consular relations, both officials expressed their satisfaction at the high degree of integration of the respective communities in their countries of residence. Dual citizenship was mentioned as a way of improving this integration in both countries. Relations between the EU and the Philippines were also reviewed and both sides noted that scoping exercises for the EU-Philippines FTA have commenced. Both sides expressed the wish for the early ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed by the Philippines and the EU in July 2012. Both officials exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of common concern and agreed on the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes. Mention was made to the High Level Meeting on Disability and Development, co-facilitated by the Philippines and Spain, that will be held in New York on September 23. The Philippines invited Spain to the next High Level Political Consultations to be held in the Philippines at a mutually acceptable date in 2014. END
Posted on: Sun, 09 Jun 2013 05:55:55 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015