Queen Sofia arrives for 5-day visit

source: manilatimes.net

Queen Sofia of Spain arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport aboard an Emirates Air flight on Monday at 4:50 p.m. for a five-day visit in Manila.

Sofia’s delegation was given a royal welcome at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Spanish Ambassador to the Philippine Jorge Domecq, and Philippine government officials, headed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.


The delegation included Spain’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Jesus Gracia Aldaz, chief of Secretariat of the Royal Household General Jose Cabrera Garcia, and other high-ranking officials from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Queen Sofia of Spain and Maj. Gen. Renato Lorenzo Sanchez, vice commander of the Philippine Air Force, inspect honor guards upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday. Queen Sofia is here for a five-day visit to check on cooperation and development projects in her country’s former Asian colony. PHOTO BY RENE DILAN

While in the country, she will visit the AECID-assisted projects in Manila and in the provinces, as well as meeting with officials of implementing agencies and beneficiary sector.

Queen Sofia will be also visiting the National Library, the National Museum, and the University of Santo Tomas.

In 2011, the Spanish government’s official development assistance to the Philippines amounted to 28.9 million Euros in grants and loans.

The implemented programs and projects are aligned with the Philippine government’s development priorities, particularly in democratic governance and citizen’s participation, basic social needs, environment, culture and development, gender and development, and the prevention of conflict and peace-building.

source: manilatimes.net