Spain’s newly crowned King Felipe VI,centre, and Spanish Princess Leonor, left, review troops at the Parliament in Madrid, Spain, Thursday June 19, 2014. AP
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines on Thursday joined other countries in welcoming the accession of Spain’s new king, Felipe VI.
“The Philippine government and people wish to express their warmest greetings to His Majesty King Felipe VI on his accession to the throne of the Kingdom of Spain. This welcome news comes to us as the Philippines prepares for its celebration of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day on the 30th of June,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
The DFA said the Philippines hoped for continuing warm relations with Spain under King Felipe VI, who succeeded his 76-year-old father, Juan Carlos, who abdicated after a 39-year reign.
The Philippines was part of the Spanish Empire from the late 1500s to 1898.