SPANISH Foreign Ministry Director-General for North America, Eastern Europe, and Asia Javier Salido Ortiz cited the deep relations between the Philippines and Spain as he took part in the 125th anniversary of the Start of the Siege of Baler and celebration of the 21st Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.

Ortiz noted such relations in terms of cultural, historical, and economic aspects, emphasizing the historical significance of Baler in Aurora province and the act of humanity and friendship extended to Spanish soldiers 125 years ago.