Spanish defense chief arriving for terror talks

Spain’s defense minister will arrive tomorrow for a four-day visit expected to focus on international terrorism and closer security cooperation.

Spanish Defense Minister Jose Bono will hold roundtable discussions with Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz on improving defense and security ties under a 1998 bilateral defense cooperation agreement.

Bono, accompanied by a 23-member delegation that includes four parliamentarians, will also call on President Arroyo and congressional leaders.

The whole delegation from Madrid, accompanied by Spanish Ambassador Ignacio Sagaz will visit Baler, Aurora to trace the historical saga of 33 Spanish soldiers who survived a 337-day siege by Filipino forces at the final stage of the Spanish-American War in the Philippines in 1898.

Sen. Edgardo Angara and Aurora Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo will host the Spanish delegation.

Bono will be first Spanish defense minister to visit the Philippines. — Jaime Laude