Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles have discussed “matters of mutual interest” during their meeting in Madrid last November 2.

“The two ministers 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,” said DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong in a statement Thursday.

In the meeting, Lorenzana welcomed the growing defense relations between the Philippines and partner countries in Europe, including Spain.

“Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to further enrich defense industry collaboration, increase the exchange of students, and explore other areas of defense cooperation,” Andolong added.

Lorenzana is also in the Spanish capital for the signing of the Agreement between the DND and the National Intelligence Centre (CNI) of the Kingdom of Spain on the “Protection of Classified Information in the Field of Defense” which is scheduled for Thursday.

The DND chief will also attend the International Defence Industry Exhibition (FEINDEF) 2021 while in Madrid. (PNA)