Ambassador Lhuillier leads consultations ahead of Philippines-Spain 80th Anniversary

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.