The Philippines has been listed as a priority country and key security partner by Spain in the Aisa and the Pacific, a diplomat said here Tuesday.

Philippine Ambassador to Madrid Joseph Bernardo told reporters that Spanish President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has noted during a speech on Dec. 22, the Philippines, a former Spanish colony for 400 years, is a priority country under the country's Plan of Action for 2005-2008, along with China, India and Japan.

"Spain's interests in the Philippines are strong and backed by concrete projects and activities. This reinforces our special place in Spain's interest in Asia which the Philippine should take advantage of," Bernardo said.

According to the ambassador, under the Plan of Action, Spain will create in attached security office in Manila that will be headed by the Spanish Ministry of Interior.

Spain will strengthen its bilateral and multilateral political dialogue and international cooperation through the renewal of high level political dialogue with the priority countries, Bernardo said.

The Spanish government will also open a Trade Industrial and Tourism office, and establish a consulate general in Manila, he added.

Source: Xinhua