PHOTO CAPTION: Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier, along with
Philippine Consular Officers and representatives of Attached Agencies,
discussed strategic priorities and areas of cooperation for 2027.
Strengthening
coordination among Philippine representatives, the Philippine Embassy in
Madrid, led by Ambassador for Spain and Andorra H.E. Philippe J. Lhuillier,
convened its Annual Consultations with Philippine Consular Officers, bringing
together seven Honorary Consular Officers, Attached Agencies, and the
Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona.
The consultation
focused on aligning priorities and strengthening cooperation ahead of the
Philippines-Spain 80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations in 2027. Discussions
covered consular policies, best practices, Filipino community concerns, and
strategic planning for the anniversary.
Ambassador
Lhuillier encouraged the Consular Officers to “take an active role in deepening
and expanding cooperation between the Philippines and Spain to establish
sustainable partnerships, concrete programs, and enduring relationships that
can continue beyond 2027.”
Potential areas
for collaboration included the Maritime and Blue Economy, Renewable Energy,
Innovation, Heritage and Culture, Digital Economy, Agriculture and Food
Innovation, Eco-tourism, Marine Biodiversity, and Sustainable Tourism.
Representatives
from Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
(OWWA), Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), the Office of the
Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, Philippine Department of Tourism – London,
and SSS also joined the consultation, highlighting a whole-of-government
approach to strengthening Philippine interests and engagement with Spain.
Consular Officers
from Bilbao, Las Palmas, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Sevilla, and Valencia
travelled to Madrid for the gathering, reinforcing coordination across the
Philippine consular network.
The 2027
anniversary will provide an opportunity to celebrate longstanding ties and
build new partnerships for the years ahead.