21 May 2007 Philippine Ambassador to Spain Joseph D. Bernardo y Medina reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that he signed the Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons between the Philippines and Spain, with the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Miguel Angel Moratinos on 18 May 2007.
The signing ceremony, which was held at the Palacio de Santa Cruz of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, was attended by invited Spanish and Filipino guests, Embassy personnel, Members of the Spanish Parliament and representatives from the media.
In his remarks, Ambassador Bernardo stated that the Philippines, like Spain, adheres to the human rights principles. Moreover, the Philippines is committed to the ways of democracy, as well as to the promotion and protection of human rights as enshrined in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The signing of this Treaty is a manifestation of the strong desire to further expand and strengthen the warm and friendly relations existing between the Governments and peoples of both countries. Indeed, the treaty will benefit the Filipino and Spanish nationals, the Ambassador said.
Ambassador Bernardo expressed his thanks and appreciation to all the Philippine and Spanish officials and personnel who worked zealously for the signing of the important document. He expressed the hope that the friendly and open dialogue that has been established in different levels covering the official, non-governmental, private and civil sectors will continue to nourish our strong bilateral relations in the coming years.
Minister Moratinos stated that the Philippines is considered a priority country in terms of overseas assistance, and a gateway to Asia, given its long historical and cultural ties with Spain. The strong bilateral relationship between the two countries is highlighted each year with the commemoration of the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day every 30 June. END
