Spanish king accepts Arroyo invitation to visit RP

MANILA, Philippines – Spanish King Juan Carlos has accepted President Arroyo's invitation to visit the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday. The DFA said visiting Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos relayed this to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo during their meeting. "Minister Moratinos conveyed H.M. King Juan Carlos’ acceptance of the invitation extended by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to again visit the Philippines," the Department of Foreign Affairs said on its website (www.dfa.gov.ph). Moratinos is in Manila for a three-day official visit. His delegation included senior officials from his ministry. Also, the Philippines and Spain signed a €5 million (P324.656-million) agreement on health reform efforts in the Bicol and Caraga regions. "One of the agreements signed is assistance for the health reform efforts in the Bicol and Caraga regions. Valued at 5 million euros, the project aims to make health services accessible to the poor and increase the capability of local governments in public financial management," the DFA said. A second agreement signed by the two foreign ministers provides authorization for the dependents of diplomatic and consular personnel to seek remunerated employment, should they so wish. The third agreement will allow the diplomatic schools of the Philippines and Spain to heighten collaboration in the training of foreign service officers. This includes activities that will enhance their curriculum and the possible exchange of specialists. Romulo and Moratinos also discussed ways to build on existing Philippine-Spanish ties and explore new opportunities for cooperation. During the bilateral meeting, Romulo and Moratinos exchanged views on a host of issues, including developments in their respective countries and regions. The two foreign ministers also discussed ways to increase cooperation in multilateral fora such as the United Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Spain will play a prominent role in the European Union next year as it assumes the presidency in January for a six-month term. Spain has been a leading source of development cooperation assistance for the Philippines, which has been accorded priority-country status by the Spanish government. Last year, the Philippines is the biggest recipient of Spanish grants in Asia and is estimated to receive €40 million for a variety of development cooperation projects in the next three years. Despite the financial crisis which has affected Europe, Minister Moratinos said Spain’s level of aid to the Philippines would not decline. Minister Moratinos cited the contribution of approximately 50,000 Filipinos to the Spanish economy and noted how they could obtain Spanish nationality after only two years of legal residency in the country. - GMANews.TV