Zubiri: PH senators discuss economic, defense cooperation with Spain

FILE PHOTO: Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri at the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Senate PRIB Photos

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine senators were in Spain for a mission to “strengthen interparliamentary relations and expand trade” between Manila and Madrid.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri led the delegation in a visit that concurs with celebrations for the 75 years of Philippines-Spain diplomatic relations.

Zubiri said the governments of the two countries have discussed ways to strengthen their economic and defense cooperation.

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“[I was] received by King Felipe VI of Spain at the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Madrid on Monday as head of the Philippine Senate’s delegation to Spain. [We] discussed how the Philippines and Spain should build on 500 years of shared history by strengthening economic and defense cooperation,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

Zubiri also said that he personally invited King Felipe VI to visit the Philippines.

“The foundations of our friendship are anchored on our shared history, our shared culture, and our shared Catholic faith,” he noted.

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“Though we are proud to be our own independent Republic, we are also grateful for our heritage and our Hispanidad,” he added.

Zubiri said members of the Philippine Senate delegation are Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Senators Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, JV Ejercito, and Mark Villar.

Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray likewise joined them, he said.

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