12 June 2014 - The diplomatic reception in celebration of Philippine Independence Day was held on June 03 at the Grand Salle of the Cercle Cité in Luxembourg. Mr. Alain Kinsch, Philippine Honorary Consul General in Luxembourg, hosted the event with the support of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels.

H.E. Xavier Bettel, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg; Finance Minister Pierre Gramegna; and members of the Luxembourg Parliament, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, business sector, and the Filipino community in Luxembourg attended the event.

During his welcome remarks, Mr Kinsch lauded the impressive growth of the Philippine economy and encouraged Luxembourg businesses to explore trade and investment opportunities in the country.

In her keynote address, Philippine Ambassador Victoria S. Bataclan stressed that these impressive growth rates can be attributed to the Aquino Administration’s “good governance equals good economics” philosophy.  Speaking about the relationship of independence, democracy and sovereignty, the Ambassador emphasized that all territorial disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law. 

She also conveyed the heartfelt thanks of the Filipino people for Luxembourg’s aid in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

At the reception, Prime Minister Bettel and Ambassador Bataclan had a brief pull-aside meeting, where the Prime Minister fondly recalled his previous visit to the Philippines when he was Mayor of Luxembourg.  Prime Minister Bettel also committed to work to further strengthen Philippines-Luxembourg relations. 

Ambassador Bataclan was accompanied by Minister and Consul General Robespierre Bolivar and his wife Maria Aurora, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Ralph Vincent Abarquez, and senior Embassy staff.

The Philippine Embassy in Brussels exercises jurisdiction over the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.  END