MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Jones Lhuillier recently met with King Felipe VI of Spain at the Palacio Real de Madrid to express his plans for deeper bilateral relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Lhuillier, a seasoned diplomat with more than 18 years of experience in various countries in Europe, has expressed his desire to focus more on the economic front between the Philippines and Spain during his tenure.
He also discussed with the monarch his intention to elevate the level of bilateral trade between the two countries by pushing for more investments between Spain and the Philippines.
In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the bilateral trade agreement between the Philippines and Spain, as well as in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Filipino-Spanish Friendship Day, Ambassador Lhuillier shared his plans to establish a “Filipino Center” in Madrid where Filipinos can avail of various consular including the sending of remittance, cargo shipments, and even the bringing in of Filipino food items and products. Ambassador Lhuillier also mentioned his plans of further enhancing the professional marketability of Filipinos in Spain by providing them the opportunity to hone their Spanish language skills.
King Felipe VI welcomed the Philippines´ desire to deepen its bilateral relations with Spain and likewise expressed his personal gratitude to Filipinos living in Spain for their hard work and contribution to Spain’s economy.
Present during the visit were other diplomatic officers of the Philippine Embassy in Madrid including Minister and Consul General Emmanuel Fernandez, First Secretary and Consul Gerardo Abiog, First Secretary and Consul Mary Luck Hicarte, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Ralf Roldan.