Mexico, Philippines to promote strong ties

MANILA, Philippines - For several hundred years, the Philippines and Mexico were linked by the Spanish galleon trade between Manila and Acapulco.

During that period, the two countries exchanged agricultural and other products and influenced each other’s culture, with numerous Mexican words becoming incorporated into the Filipino language.

Now Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto is hoping to rekindle and strengthen the historical links.

Nieto arrived yesterday for a state visit and was received by President Aquino at Malacañang, a day ahead of today’s Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Nieto landed at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City early afternoon, and proceeded to Rizal Park in Manila to lay a wreath at the Rizal Monument with Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

Vice President Jejomar Binay and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. welcomed Nieto at the airport.

Aquino introduced Nieto to members of his Cabinet, after which he signed the Malacañang guest book.

The two leaders then held bilateral talks, signed some agreements and later issued joint press statements. 

Among the agreements signed were those on avoidance of double taxation, tourism cooperation, cooperation in combating illicit drug trade. Representing the Philippines were by Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency  director-general Arturo Cacdac.

A state dinner was then held for the 49-year-old president, where he and his delegates where treated with ginger muscovado cured salmon, seared scallops, kamias blanc, wagyu beef tenderloin and lobster, and ube sanz rival and brazo de Mercedes  for dessert.

Pops Fernandez and singer Jett Pangan led the cultural show for Nieto, along with members of the group Dance Royalties. Fernandez performed “I gotta keep dancing,” while Pangan sang the classic “Besame Mucho.”