Photo courtesy of La Moncloa
On 15 September 2014, President Aquino met with President Mariano Rajoy at the Palacio de la Moncloa. Pres. Aquino took the opportunity to thank the people and government of Spain for their assistance to the victims of typhoon Yolanda as well as for their donations to the victims of the Zamboanga siege and the earthquake in the Visayas.
He also thanked Spain´s support for the Mindanao Peace Process and shared that the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law was submitted to Congress, which will be the basis for the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement.
President Aquino later affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the European Council to eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
He also vowed closer cooperation with Spain in combating transnational crime and looked forward to the finalization of the Air Transport Agreement that could lead to direct flights between Manila and Madrid.
On international issues, President Aquino briefed President Rajoy on developments in the West Philippine Sea and reiterated the Philippines´ commitment to resolve the dispute in the context of international law