DFA Undersecretary Charles C. Jose Participates in 11th Philippines-Spain Forum in Madrid

DFA Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Charles C. Jose delivers the Opening Remarks at the 11th Philippines-Spain Forum at the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid, Spain.

MADRID 21 March 2025— Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Charles C. Jose participated in the 11th Philippines-Spain Forum held in Madrid, Spain on 19-21 March 2025, where he delivered the opening remarks and served as a panelist in one of the forum’s sessions.

With the theme, Celebrating Spanish-Philippines Connection through Commerce and Culture, the Forum gathered key figures from government, business, cultural institutions, and the academe to explore new avenues for cooperation and promote deeper economic and cultural ties between the Philippines and Spain.

In his opening remarks, Undersecretary Jose underscored the enduring connections between the Philippines and Spain, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration in trade, investments, culture, and other areas of mutual interest.

He emphasized, “Critical to the peace and prosperity of all nations of the world is the continued maintenance of the rules-based international order. It is only when nations and borders are secure that culture and goods can cross them to the benefit of all peoples.”

During the panel discussion on the EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Current Status of Negotiations and Future Prospects, Undersecretary Jose provided insights into the ongoing negotiations of the EU-Philippines FTA and its potential to unlock greater trade opportunities, promote inclusive growth, and strengthen the Philippines’ economic engagement with the European Union as a whole, and with Spain in particular. He also emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to fostering a competitive and resilient economy conducive for potential Spanish investors, and sought the support of Spain for the early conclusion of negotiations towards a comprehensive, balanced, and modern PH-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Other discussions during the forum included the importance of cultural and linguistic exchanges between Spain and the Philippines, the role of art in fostering bilateral relations, port-to-port cooperation in the field of decarbonization and sustainability, and water resources management.

The Forum was organized by Casa Asia and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines and the Philippine Embassy in Spain. The Forum was supported by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Spain and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

During his visit to Madrid, Undersecretary Jose also met with State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Diego Martínez Belío from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, and Mr. Jorge Domecq Bohórquez, CEO of Emperador Properties, Spain. END

DFA Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Charles C. Jose (middle) serves as a panelist during the session on EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Current Status of Negotiations and Future Prospects at the 11th Philippines-Spain Forum. He is joined by (from L to R) Mr. Jaime Montalvo, International Director of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Julián Conthe, Director General for Trade Policy of the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Commerce, and Business; Ms. Marta Blanco, President of CEOE International; and Mr. Ruben Camba, President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.