PH, Spain sign intel protection pact

MANILA – The Philippines and Spain signed an agreement on the “Protection of Classified Information in the Field of Defense” on Thursday.

“Recognizing the importance of information sharing in fostering mutual understanding and closer cooperation between security partners, an agreement between the Department of National Defense (DND) of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Intelligence Center (CNI) of the Kingdom of Spain on the Protection of Classified Information in the Field of Defense, was signed on 4 November 2021 in Madrid,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement on Friday.

The signing of the agreement is one of the highlights of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s official visit to Spain, he added.

The agreement provides a framework to regulate the exchange of all classified information in the course of bilateral defense cooperation, including but not limited to defense equipment acquisitions and transfer of technology.

“It is an important step to further deepening Philippines-Spain defense relations, as the two countries both endeavor to develop their defense capabilities and promote their shared interest in a rules-based international order,” Andolong said.

On November 2, Lorenzana met with Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles where they discussed matters of mutual interest, including the importance of strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering multilateral cooperation, and jointly addressing the global issue of climate change.