Spain-Philippine relations have evolved, Aquino says

Manila: Once considered as a mere trading outpost in Southeast Asia, Queen Sofia said Spain’s relations with the Philippines had gone beyond mercantilism and had evolved into a partnership between co-equals.

The Spanish queen said the Philippines is now regarded by Spain as an important partner linking trade between Madrid and the Asian region.

“The Crown, the government and the people of Spain see the Philippines not only as a sister country with whom we share many historical, social and cultural links because of our common past, but also as a key partner in Asia to boost development we are fully committed to,” Queen Sofia said.

Queen Sofia made the statement during her remarks in a state banquet hosted by President Benigno Aquino III in honour of the Spanish queen on Tuesday evening.

Until the close of the 19th century, the Philippine islands had been a colony of the Spanish crown for more than 300 years. Spanish influence in the country extended to every aspect of Filipino life, from the use of Hispanic surnames to customs and tradition, as well as religion, language and overall attitude towards life.

Queen Sofia said that in these modern times, Philippine and Spanish relations should extend beyond having a shared heritage.

“The Philippines has been and will always be a priority country for the Spanish cooperation for development,” she said.

For his part, Aquino said bilateral relations between the Philippines and Spain have evolved from a colonial power to a vassal state relationship, into a partnership between two co-equals.

He said both countries are now engaged in pursuing the goal of “fulfilling the vast potential of our peoples”.

“Today, the Philippines and Spain stand shoulder-to-shoulder in pursuing the ultimate goals of both our nations — of fulfilling the vast potential of our peoples,” Aquino said.

“And we are working together — whether in trade, sports, defence, or in tourism — in all the vital spheres of human endeavour,” he added.

The President said that while bilateral trade with Spain has been steadily increasing with 2011 trade figures pegged at $329.6 million (Dh1.21 billion), Spain has been making further contributions to the Filipinos lives through their Official Development Assistance and numerous humanitarian programmes.

He cited Spain’s ODA which, he said, has helped finance livelihood and housing programmes for Filipinos at the grassroots level.

“In a substantial way, Spain is working with Filipinos, to empower Filipinos to be more productive, educated, healthy citizens that [National Hero Dr Jose Rizal] so deeply wanted them to be,” the President said.

The President said the visit of Queen Sofia was “a new history being made” that highlighted “a partnership between two nations with shared democratic ideals; of friendship based, not on nostalgia, but a principled commitment to the positive strength that can be derived from divergent histories, but with a shared, and affectionate, cultural affinity.”

Aside from her stay in Manila, Queen Sofia’s several days visit to the Philippines will also take her to a trip to Zamboanga City, which is considered as among the most Hispanised areas of the country.