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January 02, 1970

Reference: This Joint Communique is also published in IX DFA TS No. 1, p. 87,

The Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, Gen­eral Carlos P. Romulo, and the Spanish Foreign Minister, Excmo. Sr. D. Gregorio Lopez Bravo, meeting in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Padre Faura, Manila, on 2nd January 1970, in an atmosphere of cordiality and understanding, held wide-ranging talks on the world situation and matters of common interest, with particular reference to the strengthening of Philippine-Spanish relations.

Both Ministers expressed their adherence to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and to the wish of Pope Paul VI that the New Year 1970 may bring peace in the world, and also agreed that the United Nations Charter should be amended to make it more in keeping with the realities of the age.

The Spanish Foreign Minister offered the technical assistance of his Government to the Philippine Government to promote tourism in the Philip­pines. For this purpose, a joint committee is going to be appointed to study common problems on tourism. Spain will send at an early date, an expert committee to study and make a survey of tourist possibilities on the spot. Later on, a Philippine group will go to Spain to study the most suitable technique adopted to Philippine needs.

Both Ministers agreed to facilitate the early conclusion of a trade and financial agreement between the two countries, granting the possible concessions to either party for certain products of the other party, for the purpose of establishing a more balanced and more ample commercial intercourse between them.

Both Ministers agreed on the granting of government-to-government $10 million credit by Spain to the Philippines, to be devoted to purposes to be decided by common agreement. This credit shall be available immediately on a long term basis, at a low rate of interest.

Both Ministers expressed the wish to cooperate in the realization of the project for the construction of a Student's Residence in Madrid's University City such as other countries have erected for the benefit of their nationals.

Both Foreign Ministers agreed to fully support the UNESCO projects to establish in the Philippines a center for the study of the Spanish language and promotion of Hispanic culture.

Both Ministers agreed to review the existing Treaty on academic degrees and the exercise of professions between the two countries with a view to updating the provisions relating to the implementation of the University equivalences.

The Spanish Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for the cour­tesies extended to him and his party and for the hospitality of the Philippine Government and people, and has extended an official invitation of the Spanish Government to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, General Romulo, to visit Spain.

Manila, 2 January 1970