Philippines, Spain eye deeper trade and defense ties ahead of 80th diplomatic anniversary

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 05, 2026

Photo courtesy: Presidential Communication Office

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Spain are looking to expand cooperation in trade, investment, defense and security as the two countries prepare to celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the prospect of stronger bilateral ties during a ceremony at Malacañang on Wednesday, November 4, where newly appointed Spanish Ambassador Xavier Martí Martí presented his credentials.

During their meeting, Marcos emphasized that the countries’ shared history provides a foundation for cooperation in new areas.

“The centuries-old relationship between our two countries is unmatched in any other in the history of the Philippines,” Marcos told the Spanish envoy.

He added that changes in the modern world offer opportunities to broaden the partnership beyond its historical and cultural roots.

Martí Martí, meanwhile, conveyed the greetings of Spain’s King Felipe VI and reaffirmed Madrid’s interest in strengthening relations with Manila.

The Spanish envoy identified economic cooperation, investments, defense and security as areas for closer engagement. He also emphasized cultural exchanges, education and stronger ties between the two countries’ citizens.

Spain has expressed interest in maintaining dialogue with the Philippines and supporting a rules-based international order.

The diplomatic engagement comes as bilateral economic relations continue to grow.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, trade between the Philippines and Spain reached US

1.073billionin2025,upfromUS994.25 million in 2024.

Tourism exchanges have also increased. Arrivals from Spain to the Philippines nearly doubled from 30,581 in 2024 to 60,290 in 2025.

The countries established formal diplomatic relations on September 27, 1947, following more than three centuries of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.

The anniversary in 2027 will also coincide with the 25th observance of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, commemorated every June 30 to recognize historical ties and friendship between the two nations.

Martí Martí entered Spain’s diplomatic service in 2006 and previously held assignments in Peru, Brazil and Kenya. His appointment marks his first posting as ambassador and his first diplomatic assignment in the Asia-Pacific region.