By: Macon Ramos Araneta
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri led Philippine senators in meeting with King Felipe VI of Spain at the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Madrid.
The King of Spain received the delegation for a private meeting at the palace to discuss how best to strengthen the friendship and partnership between the Philippines and Spain, particularly in the areas of trade and industry, security and defense, and people-to-people exchanges.
Zubiri said the meeting “marks another important milestone in our countries’ deep and enduring friendship.”
King Felipe emphasized that he finds an opportunity to build on the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, especially given the vital presence of migrant Filipino workers in Spain.
“With His Majesty’s support, we hope to usher in a new era of revitalized Philippine-Spanish relations anchored on our shared history spanning five hundred years.”
Meanwhile, Zubiri asked Spanish Senate President Pedro Rollán for both countries to build on five hundred years of friendship and history during the Philippine Senate’s official parliamentary visit to the Senate of Spain. Am enhanced trade relations was one of the key points of discussion.
This visit comes as the Philippines and Spain celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
“The foundations of our friendship are anchored on our shared history, our shared culture and our shared Catholic faith,” said Zubiri. “Though we are proud to be our own independent republic, we are also grateful for our heritage and our Hispanidad.”
While Zubiri expressed gratitude for the extension of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences under the European Union (EU), of which Spain holds the presidency, he asked for Spanish aid in developing a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the EU.
Rollán said that Spain’s doors are always open to the Philippines, adding that he sees the delegation’s visit as a welcome opportunity to reinforce the already excellent relations between the Philippines and Spain.
The Spanish leader also stressed the need for the governments of the two countries to work together for continued efforts to rise from the ill effects of the pandemic. Spain, said Rollán, is especially well positioned to offer support in this post-pandemic period, being the head of the EU.
Joining Zubiri in the delegation were Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and senators Sonny Angara, Grace Poe, Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, and Mark Villar, and Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray.
