Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24) —Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri led the Philippine senators’ parliamentary mission in Spain to strengthen trade, economic and defense cooperation between the two countries.
The Filipino senator asked his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Rollán, for assistance in developing a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the European Union and which Rollán acknowledged, according to a statement from the Philippine Senate on Tuesday.
“Let us build on 500 years of friendship and history,” Zubiri told Rollán. “The foundations of our friendship are anchored on our shared history, our shared culture and our shared Catholic faith.”
“Though we are proud to be our own independent Republic, we are also grateful for our heritage and our Hispanidad,” he added during their meeting on Monday.
Rollán was quoted as saying that Spain’s doors are always open to the Philippines, and that he sees the delegation’s visit as an opportunity to reinforce the already excellent ties between the two countries.
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, the Senate statement said.
Spain, said Rollán, is especially well positioned to offer support in this post-pandemic period, being the head of the EU, it added.
Also part of the delegation were Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Senators Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, JV Ejercito and Mark Villar.
The Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray also attended the meeting.
Also on Monday, Spain’s King Felipe VI received Zubiri at the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Madrid as head of the Philippine Senate delegation.
The Filipino lawmakers’ visit to Spain comes as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
