Treaty (3 April 1995)

April 03, 1995

DECLARATION ON POLITICAL COOPERATION

The Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain, bound by historical and cultural ties and cognizant of the new thrust in their relations resulting from the visit of Their Excellencies President and Mrs. Fidel V. Ramos to Spain in 1994 and the present visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain to the Philippines; Encouraged by a mutual desire to further strengthen and expand the bilateral political relations based on close bonds of friendship, common history and mutual understanding; Convinced that mutual understanding will serve the common interests and objectives for the progress of their nations, contributing in a concrete manner to their mutual security and prosperity; Determined to consolidate and diversify their cooperation with the aim of adequately responding to the challenges that a more interdependent and complex world pose to their societies; Respectful of the principles of International Law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the treaties and conventions in force between both states; Aware of the political and economic importance of regional cooperation in which the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain both participate; Have decided to subscribe to the present Declaration:

1. The Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain shall seek the future conclusion of a new Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation that shall reflect the qualitative change in Filipino-Hispanic relations, and manifest unequivocally the political will of both Governments to consolidate mutual cooperation and economic and social development, while respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Towards this end, the two countries shall institutionalize permanent dialogue through high level meetings that shall be held every two years alternately in Manila and in Madrid. Accordingly, a Joint Commission, presided by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Spain, shall be established to ensure continued political dialogue, to assess the implementation of the existing treaties and agreements, and to propose to the respective Governments, when necessary, revisions of the same.

2. Likewise, and to effect greater mutual understanding, both Governments shall promote meetings between their respective legislatures and local governments.

3. Having in mind the significant developments in their respective regions, the two Governments agree to expand their political and economic cooperation, and to interpret each other's interests in the European Union and in the ASEAN.The Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain agree to support initiatives to promote contacts and relations with Europe and with Asia, particularly with member-countries of the European Union and ASEAN.

4. The Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain commit to undertake the following measures in the area of economic, financial and industrial cooperation: The Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain shall intensify contacts and establish work programs between their private sectors (Chambers of Commerce and commercial associations/organizations). They shall promote investments in sectors of common interest; subject to the laws and regulations of each country, give incentives to support business and commercial entities; and promote economic, industrial and financial cooperation in accordance with their respective Constitutions and laws and the provisions of the Treaty for Economic and Industrial Cooperation, signed by both countries on May 21, 1988.

5. The Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain agree to pursue and intensify development cooperation through programs and projects that contribute to the socio-economic development of the Philippines in accordance with the Basic Agreement of Technical Cooperation of 1974. The two countries have identified the following priority areas of cooperation land reform, agriculture, biotechnology, aquaculture, machinery, audiovisuals, professional and technical training, and the preservation and restoration of the Filipino historical and cultural heritage during the Spanish era.

6. To reinforce and consolidate the historical and cultural ties that exist between the two nations, the two Governments agree to enhance cooperation in the cultural scientific and educational fields, in accordance with the Cultural Treaty of 1949 and its Additional Protocol of 1971, with special emphasis on the promotion of their respective languages and cultures.

7. Appreciating the importance of tourism as a factor in economic development as well as a means to further cultivate the friendship between their two peoples, the two governments shall enhance cooperation in the field of tourism and promote the industry's growth in both countries.

8. On the occasion of the forthcoming 1998 centennial celebration of the Declaration of Philippine Independence and the Inauguration of the Malolos Congress, the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain agree to cooperate in the cultural, historical and artistic activities that will take place to commemorate the event.

9. The Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain shall explore and develop cooperation in the area of defense concerning matters of mutual interest. Accordingly, they shall authorize their respective defense ministries and armed forces to initiate and promote contacts for the purpose of identifying specific areas of cooperation and developing the institutional arrangements for implementing such cooperation.

10. The Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain shall promote cooperation in judicial matters and conclude, at some future date, the appropriateAgreements. Signed in Manila, on 3 April 1995.

(Sgd.) (Sgd.) For the Republic of the For the Kingdom of Philippines Spain