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| Country Profile: Republic of Italy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia.
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| Overview RP-Italy Relations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| POLITICAL RELATIONS Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Italy were established on 9 July 1947. The first Philippine Diplomatic Mission to Italy was established on 5 July 1948 as a Legation, and subsequently elevated to the level of an Embassy on 9 August 1956. The February 1986 People Power Revolution marked the beginning of expansion of bilateral relations. Italy was among the first countries to recognize the Aquino Government in the Philippines. Following the visit to Manila in March 1986 of Bruno Corti, Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Italy increased its development assistance to the Philippines from approximately US$ 3 million in 1985 to approximately US$ 330 million for the period ending 1990. Italy condemned the August 1987 coup attempt. As a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Philippine Government following the attempt, Senator Gilberto Bonalumi, Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, visited Manila in September 1987. President Corazon C. Aquino officially visited Rome in June 1988. During the visit, the Italian government committed to the President a grant of US$ 50 million for the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP); and US$ 10 million in soft loans for the Bacon-Manito Project, a geothermal plant project, which brought total Italian commitment to US$ 330 million. In 1989, Undersecretary of State Gilberto Bonalumi made a second visit to the Philippines, during which time the Agreement formalizing Italy’s commitment to provide US$ 50 million for CARP was signed. Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Raul S. Manglapus visited Rome in July 1989 and met with Foreign Minister Gianni de Michellis and Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti. Exchange of Visits since 1993:
BILATERAL AGREEMENTS Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947, the Philippines and Italy have concluded several agreements that further strengthened the bilateral relations of the two countries. These agreements, among others, include visa waiver agreement, agreements on development cooperation, culture, science and technology, economic, etc. AGREEMENTS
PENDING AGREEMENTS
OTHER AREAS OF COOPERATION
Social Security In 2001, the draft of the Agreement was finalized and scheduled for signing in March 2002, together with the Agreement on Assisted Return and Readmission of Persons. However the Italian Embassy in Manila advised that the SSS agreement would not be signed because the Italian Ministry of Social Affairs believed that the agreement would entail enormous expenditures which the Italian Government could not shoulder at that time. Moreover, then Italian Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Umberto Colesanti, said that the Agreement should be renegotiated to conform with the Bossi-Fini law* that ensures benefits to foreign workers in Italy. Italy has signed social security agreements with countries such as Argentina, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Monaco, Cape Verde, San Marino, Slovenia, Yugoslavia, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela and Turkey. Countries that are in the process of negotiating social security agreements include the Philippines, Chile, Morocco and the Czech Republic. The Philippines and Italy began negotiations on the Agreement in March 1983. Over 23 years later, the agreement has yet to be signed. ECONOMIC RELATIONS In 2005, Italy was the Philippines’ 24th trading partner accounting for 0.40% (US$ 344,000,000) of the total Philippine trade with the world of US$ 86 billion. Italy ranked 19th as an export market, accounting for 0.30% (US$ 123,000,000) of the total Philippine exports to the world of US$ 41 billion, and 30th as an import source, accounting for 0.55% (US$ 247,500,000) of the total Philippine imports from the world of US$ 45 billion. Among the EU countries, Italy ranked as our 7th trading partner for 2005. The balance of trade has consistently been in Italy’s favor, but dramatically declined to US$ 11 million in 2005 form US$ 56 million in 2002.
Exports In 2005, Philippine exports to Italy has increased by 33.13% to US$166 million from US$ 125 million in 2004. Top export product and major gainer in terms of dollar receipts is crude coconut (copra) oil; Other major exports were: men’s wear; parts (not including rubber tires, engines, electric parts, completely knocked-down parts); electrostatic photocopying apparatus; packing or wrapping machinery; semi-conductor devices and steel belted tires.
Imports Philippine imports increased by 15.22% to US$ 177 million from US$ 154 million in 2004. top imports include medicament products; machinery for working rubber/plastic; parts and accessories of telephonic or telegraphic apparatus; and antibiotics, packed for retail.
Investments The Board of Investments figures indicate that total Italian BOI-registered investments in the Philippines totaled only about US$ 230,000. Italian investment are involved in pipe manufacturing, resort development, fine precious metals and IT-enabled services. Italian companies with offices in Manila include ABB Transmission (electrical transmission), C. Lotti and Associati (Hydrotechnology/engineering consultancy), CP-CBK Hydropower Consortium (Civil works), Generali Pilipinas (Insurance), and Grandi Lavori Fincosit (construction).
Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas PHILIPPINE PRODUCTS FOR PROMOTION TO ITALY (BETP as of 19 May 2006) 1 . Wearable such as garments, costume jewelry and fine jewelry. 1. Processed foods (i.e. instant noodles, processed tropical
fruits, food mixes/condiments and seafood products) Italy is an affluent market, ranking 5th in the world in terms of national income. The purchasing power of its more than 57 million population has been increasing, compared with that of other EU members. FILIPINOS IN ITALY According the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs of DFA, as of December 2004 the Italian Ministry of Interior officially puts the number of Filipinos at 87,000. The number represents Filipinos with valid permits to stay. The Philippine Embassy estimates that there might be some 8,208 undocumented Filipinos residing or working in Italy In terms of their occupational distribution, the majority (i.e. 76% of registered Filipinos in Italy) falls under the category of "lavoro subordinato (anche stagionale)". The term could be roughly translated as "employees (including seasonal ones)." This means that 76% are employed, either on a part-time or full-time basis in the services sector. The next largest percentage of Filipinos in Italy (15% of the total registered Filipino population or 10,447) are for family reasons. 3,583 (5%) are for religious reasons. That is to say that they are in Italy on the basis of their religious status as priests, nuns, or religious workers. 743 (1%) fall under the category of employees with pending (legal) employment status. Finally the remaining 3% fall under other occupational categories/statutes. Italy is the 8th of 15 countries with the highest heavy concentration of OFWs in the world. Filipino workers are well treated by their Italian employers who recognize their work ethics, competence and industry. Cases involving Filipinos are minimal considering their large presence in Italy. There are 60 Filipino organizations, mostly church-based, while the rest are civic or cultural organizations. The Filipino Chaplaincy in Rome oversees their spiritual and religious activities. (Source: Bureau of Export Trade Promotions) |
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| Members of the Cabinet of the Republic of Italy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. Prime Minister - Romano
Prodi 2. Deputy Prime Minister- Massimo D’Alema 3. Deputy Prime Minister- Francesco Rutelli 4. Intertior- Giuliano Amato 5. Foreign Affairs- Massimo D’Alema 6. Defense- Arturo Parisi 7. Economy- Tommaso Padoa Schioppa 8. Justice- Clemente Mastella 9. Environment- Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio 10. Education- Giuseppe Fioroni 11. Universities and Research- Fabio Mussi 12. Cultural Heritage and Tourism- Francesco Rutelli 13. Transport- Alessandro Bianchi 14. Infrastructure- Antonio Di Pietro 15. Agricultural Policy-Paolo De Castro 16. Labor-Cesare Damiano 17. Posts and Telecommunications-Paolo Gentiloni 18. Health-Livia Turco 19. Welfare-Paolo Ferrero Eight other Ministers without portfolio: 1. Luigi Nicolais 2. Barbara Pollastrini 3. Giovanna Melandtri 4. Vannino Chiti 5. Linda Lanzillotta 6. Rosy Bindi 7. Giulio Santagata 8. Emma Bonino |
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| Biography: His Excellency Giorgio Napolitano - President of the Republic of Italy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Giorgio Napolitano was born June 29, 1925 in Naples. He matriculated to the
University of Naples Federico II. He adhered to the local GUF (Gruppo Universitario
Fascista, University Fascist Group), the fascist student organization, where he found a
number of students who shared his negative view of the regime. He later founded an
anti-fascist communist group which, after the armistice, took part in several resistance
actions against Nazi and pro-Mussolini forces.
In 1945, after the end of World War II, Napolitano joined the Italian Communist Party. In 1947 he graduated in law. He was first elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1953. Subsequently, he was elected to the National Committee of the party, and became responsible for the Commission for Southern Italy in 1956. After the dissolution of the Italian
Communist Party, in 1991, Napolitano joined the Democratic Party of the Left, later
Democrats of the Left (Democratici di Sinistra, or DS). Successively, he served as
President of the Chamber of Deputies (1992–1994) and between 1996 and 1998 he was the
first former Communist to became Minister of the Interior, a role traditionally occupied
by Christian Democrats. He also served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1999 to
2004. In October 2005, he was named senator for life, and is therefore the last one being
appointed by President of the Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. |
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| Biography: Philippe J. Lhuillier - Philippine Ambassador to Italy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier was appointed the country’s envoy to Italy on February 3, 1999. He is concurrently Philippine Representative to FAO, WFP and IFAD. In 2000, he was named Non-Resident Philippine Ambassador to Albania. Prior to his appointment, he was a highly successful businessman running several family-owned enterprises in diverse fields such as the Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshops, Bank & Money Exchange; the P.J. Lhuillier Development Corporation; Li’l Henri Toys Factory, Inc.; La Planta Hotel and Restaurant, Inc.; and Strike Zone Bowling Lanes, among others. He was president of the Chamber of Pawnbrokers of the Philippines from 1987 – 1998. He holds a Bachelor of Science (major in Management) degree from the De la Salle University. He was born on July 23, 1945 in Manila. |
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| Country Profile: Holy See | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid 19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between a series of "prisoner" popes and Italy were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy. In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified certain of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman Catholicism as the Italian state religion. Present concerns of the Holy See include religious freedom, international development, the Middle East, terrorism, inter-religious dialogue and reconciliation, and the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and globalization. About 1 billion people worldwide profess the Catholic faith. Country name : State of the Vatican City (Holy See) Capital : Vatican City Flag Description : The two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the papal miter centered in the white band National Day : 24 April Coronation Day of Pope Benedict XVI Location : Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy) Area : total: 044 sq km land: 044 sq km water: 0 sq km Land boundaries : total: 3.2 km border countries: Italy 3.2 km Government type : Ecclesiastical Head of State : Pope Benedict XVI (2005) Head of Government : Cardinal Angelo Sodano Population (July 2005 est.) : 921 (growth rate: 0.01%); Ethnic groups : Italian, Swiss, others Religion : Roman Catholic Languages : Italian, Latin, French, various other languages Economic summary This unique, noncommercial economy is supported financially by an annual contribution from Roman Catholic dioceses throughout the world (known as Peter's Pence). Investments and real estate income also account for a sizable portion of revenue. The incomes and living standards of lay workers are comparable to those of counterparts who work in the city of Rome. Currency : Euro Labor force : About 3,000 lay workers (non-resident). Major Industries : printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps; a small amount of mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities Source: CIA World Fact Book |
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| Overview of RP-Holy See Relations Political Relations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Philippines, a predominantly Christian nation, has long been associated with the Holy See. Until 9 April 1951 when the Philippines established diplomatic relations with the Holy See, official relations were indirect, either through Spain or, later, the United States. The Vatican diplomatic service has the longest uninterrupted history in the world. In the Philippines, as in many predominantly Catholic countries, the Papal Nuncio has precedence among ambassadors and serves as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. Despite the constitutional principle of the separation of Church and State, the Roman Catholic Church has been playing an influential role in Philippine domestic politics. It has commented on government policies concerning birth control; the protection and the promotion of human rights, particularly those of migrants, women and children; and the reported abuses of high public officials. In Europe, the Church has been addressing both spiritual and temporal concerns of several Filipino communities with the establishment of chaplaincies. Philippine foreign service posts have found the gathering of Filipinos in Catholic churches as a convenient venue to conduct dialogues and to disseminate information. High points in RP-Holy See relations include:
Following are other important dates in the history of relations between the Philippines and the Holy See from 1986 to the present:
AGREEMENTS
FILIPINOS IN THE HOLY SEE Filipino Roman Catholic priests and nuns make up the population of Filipinos accredited to the Vatican. Out of some 87,000 documented Filipinos living in Italy, 3,699 are Filipino religious with stay permits and the growth rate is estimated at one percent per annum. Data on their number is provided by Italy’s Ministry of Interior. |
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| Biography: Pope Benedict XVI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pope Benedict XVI (Latin:
Benedictus PP. XVI) was born Joseph Alois Ratzinger on April 16, 1927 in Marktl am Inn,
Bavaria, Germany. The pope’s relatives agree that his priestly vocation was apparent
from boyhood. At the age of five, he was in a group of children who welcomed the visiting
Cardinal Archbishop of Munich with flowers. Struck by the Cardinal’s distinctive
costume, he later announced the very same day that he wanted to be a cardinal. Benedict had a distinguished career as a university theologian before being
appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freising by Pope Paul VI, and very shortly afterwards
made a cardinal in the consistory of June 27, 1977. He was appointed Prefect of the
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith by Pope John Paul II in 1981 and was also
assigned the honorific title of the cardinal bishop of the suburbicarian diocese of
Velletri-Segni on April 5, 1993. In 1998, he became sub-dean of the College of Cardinals
and on November 30, 2002, dean, adding also as is custom the title of Cardinal bishop of
the suburbicarian diocese of Ostia. He was the first Dean of the College elected pope
since Paul IV in 1555 and the first cardinal bishop elected pope since Pius VIII in 1829.
He is one of the best-known theologians since the 1960s and a prolific author, he is
viewed as a staunch defender and steadfast advocate of Catholic traditional doctrine and
moral values and their importance in the survival of humanity |
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| Biography: His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Sodano | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Angelo
Cardinal Sodano (born 23 November 1927) is the Cardinal Secretary of State and Dean of the
College of Cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church. Sodano was first appointed Secretary of
State by Pope John Paul II and then reappointed by Pope Benedict XVI. He became
Pro-Secretary on 1 December 1990. And full Secretary of State once he had been named a
cardinal in the consistory of June 28, 1991. In April 2005 he succeeded Benedict as Dean
of the College of Cardinals. He is the first person to serve simultaneously as Dean and
Secretary of State since 1828. A native of the diocese of Asti, Italy, he was ordained a priest there in 1950. In 1959 he moved to Rome and entered the direct service of the Holy See, serving as a secretary of nunciatures in Latin America and achieving the title of monsignor (he was named a Chaplain of His Holiness the day Pope Paul VI was elected) before becoming an official of the Roman Curia's Council for Public Affairs of the Church in 1968. On November 30, 1977 he was appointed a titular archbishop and the nuncio of Chile, one of the countries where he had served as nunciature secretary. He returned to Asti to be consecrated a bishop before taking up his post. He returned to Rome in 1988 as Secretary of the Council for Public Affairs of the Church, which in 1989 became the Section for Relations with States of the Secretariat of State. (The occupant of this post is sometimes informally called the "Vatican foreign minister"). In 1994, John Paul II named him Cardinal Bishop of the suburbicarian see of Albano, and on November 30, 2002, exactly twenty-five years after he was first appointed a bishop, he was elected vice-dean of the College of Cardinals in succession to Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, who became Dean. With Ratzinger's election as Pope Benedict XVI Sodano performed the functions of the Dean at Benedict's Papal Inauguration and on April 30 Benedict formally ratified Sodano's election to the position by the six suburbicarian Cardinal Bishops. As Secretary of State, it was Cardinal Sodano who was the principal celebrant at the funeral masses for John Cardinal O'Connor and Mother Teresa. When he turned 75 in 2002 Pope John Paul specifically invited him to stay on as Secretary of State, though this is the customary retirement age for heads of major Vatican departments (there is no retirement age for the Deanship or Vice-Deanship). He was close to John Paul II, though some have called him a less distinguished Secretary of State than his predecessors. After the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005 Sodano was seldom seen as one of the Papabili, or the cardinals likely to become the next Pope, due to his advanced age (although he is seven months younger than John Paul's successor, Benedict XVI) and his lack of experience outside the Roman Curia. Sodano was, however, one of the cardinal electors who participated in the 2005 papal conclave that selected Pope Benedict XVI. Upon the death of John Paul, Sodano's position as Cardinal of State expired. Although Cardinal Sodano is past the customary retirement age he was reappointed to the position by Benedict XVI on April 21, 2005. |
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| Filipino Archbishops assigned to Apostolic Nunciatures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ARCHBISHOP OSVALDO
PADILLA Apostolic Nuncio to Costa Rica Titular Archbishop of Pia Born : 5 August 1942, Sogod, Philippines Ordained Priest : Priest, 20 February 1966 Appointed :
Ordained Bishop: Titular Archbishop of Pia, 6 January 1991 ARCHBISHOP ADOLFO TITO YLLANA Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan Titular Archbishop of Montecorvino Born : 6 February 1948, Naga City, Philippines Ordained Priest : Priest, 19 March 1972 Appointed :
Ordained Bishop: Titular Archbishop of Montecorvino, 6 January 2006 ARCHBISHOP FRANCISCO MONTECILLO PADILLA Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea Titular Archbishop of Nebbio Apostolic Nuncio to Solomon Islands Born : 17 September 1953, Cebu City Ordained Priest : Priest of Cebu, Philippines. 21 October 1976 Appointed :
Ordained Bishop: Titular Archbishop of Nebbio, 23 May 2006 |
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| Country Profile: Kingdom of Spain | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kingdom of Spain
Background: Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). A peaceful transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the EU in 1986), have given Spain one of the most dynamic economies in Europe and made it a global champion of freedom. Continuing challenges include Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorism and relatively high unemployment. Location: Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France Area: total: 504,782 sq km Land Boundaries: total: 1,917.8 km Climate: temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast. Nationality: noun: Spaniard(s) Religions: Roman Catholic 94%, other 6% Executive branch: Chief of State: King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975); Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968:Head of government: President of the Government and Prime Minister Jose Luis RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO (since 17 April 2004); First Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister (and Minister of the Presidency) Maria Teresa FERNANDEZ DE LA VEGA (since 18 April 2004) and Second Vice President (and Minister of Economy and Finance) Pedro SOLBES (since 18 April 2004) Cabinet: Council of Ministers
designated by the president Legislative branch: bicameral; General Courts or National Assembly or Las Cortes Generales consists of the Senate or Senado (259 seats - 208 members directly elected by popular vote and the other 51 appointed by the regional legislatures to serve four-year terms) and the Congress of Deputies or Congreso de los Diputados (350 seats; members are elected by popular vote on block lists by proportional representation to serve four-year terms) elections: Senate - last held 14 March 2004 (next to be held March 2008); Congress of Deputies - last held 14 March 2004 (next to be held March 2008) Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo International organization participation: AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, ONUB, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIS, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO, ZC ECONOMY – OVERVIEW The Spanish economy boomed from 1986 to 1990, averaging five percent annual growth. After a European-wide recession in the early 1990s, the Spanish economy resumed moderate growth starting in 1994. Spain's mixed capitalist economy supports a GDP that on a per capita basis is 80% that of the four leading West European economies. The center-right government of former President AZNAR successfully worked to gain admission to the first group of countries launching the European single currency (the euro) on 1 January 1999. The AZNAR administration continued to advocate liberalization, privatization, and deregulation of the economy and introduced some tax reforms to that end. Unemployment fell steadily under the AZNAR administration but remains high at 10.1%. Growth of 2.5% in 2003, 2.6% in 2004, and 3.4% in 2005 was satisfactory given the background of a faltering European economy. The socialist president, RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO, has initiated economic and social reforms that are generally popular among the masses of people, but that are anathema to religious and other conservative elements. Adjusting to the monetary and other economic policies of an integrated Europe, reducing unemployment, and absorbing widespread social changes will pose challenges to Spain over the next few years. GDP growth rate 3.4% (2005 est.) GDP - per capita (PPP) $25,500 (2005 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices) 3.4% (2005 est.) Exports $194.3 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.) Exports - commodities machinery, motor vehicles; foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, medicines, other consumer goods Imports $271.8 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.) Imports - commodities machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, measuring and medical control instruments |
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| Overview of RP-Spain Relations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Philippines and Spain share a profound and special relationship based on cultural and historical ties, friendship and cooperation. Because of this, Spain is deemed to be the country’s principal link with Latin-American countries as well as the gateway to better economic and political advantages with European countries. Spain is not only the Philippines’ historical "madre patria" but contemporarily its friend and partner in the country’s inexorable march towards progress, development, peace and prosperity. POLITICAL RELATIONS Ties between the Philippines and Spain have been very cordial since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 27 September 1947. These relations have been reinforced through the signing of a new comprehensive Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in June 2000 by former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and former Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar. This agreement particularly provided a renewed sense of Philippines-Spain relations in the new millennium marked by developments in information and communications technology, increasing environmental and humanitarian concerns and the move towards globalization. The passage of Republic Act 9187 on 05 February 2003 further intensified bilateral links. Authored by Senator Edgardo Angara, the Act declares 30 June of each year as Philippine-Spanish Friendship day. It symbolizes the Filipino people’s gratitude and appreciation for Spain’s inestimable legacy of faith, culture and values to our nation, including the beginnings of the country’s political solidarity as one people despite the geographic divisions and linguistic differences. The exchange of high level visits, notably the Official Visit of former President Ramos to Spain in September 1994 and the State Visit of former Prime Minister Aznar to the Philippines on July 2000, opened new vistas for concrete mutual cooperation in the political and security arena, economic and trade spheres, cultural promotion, and social development. These areas correspond to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s programs to alleviate poverty, enhance good governance, extend assistance to Muslim Mindanao, promote health and overall domestic development. 2004 further enhanced both countries’ political cooperation with the holding of bilateral meetings between the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alberto G. Romulo and his Spanish counterpart, Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos at the fringes of the 59th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held in New York on 22 September 2004 and at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Hanoi, Vietnam in October 2004. At the fringes of the 7th ASEM-Foreign Ministers Meeting in Kyoto, Japan in May 2005, bilateral meetings were held once again between Secretary Alberto Romulo and Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos and Foreign Affairs. As well, Undersecretary Sonia Cataumber-Brady met with Spanish Director-General for Asia and the Pacific, D. Jose Eugenio Salarich. The two held another round of bilateral meeting on 20 October 2005 in Manila Defense Minister Jose Bono visited the Philippines on 19-21 November 2005 during which time he exchanged views on defense and security issues with Secretary of Defense Avelino Cruz, Jr. On 24 March 2006, Secretary of State Bernardo Leon paid a one-day visit to the Philippines, calling on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and meeting with then Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Franklin Ebdalin. His call on the President focused on the GRP-CPP/NPA/NDF Talks, the case of Francisco Larrañaga and a reiteration of the invitation of the Spanish Government to the President to visit Spain. He also met with other key government officials such as the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, the National Security Adviser and the Presidential Chief of Staff. AGREEMENTS
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