29 July 2016 - On July 21, Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Philippe J. Lhuillier met with His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic at the Presidential Palace in Belém.

Ambassador Lhuillier discussed with President Rebelo De Sousa the opportunities for engagement between the Philippines and Portugal, especially in the area of economic relations. Ambassador Lhuillier also noted the efforts being made by the Philippine Embassy to link Portuguese companies with Filipino companies, especially promising startups in the information technology sector.

President Rebelo De Sousa expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Lhuillier for his efforts in raising awareness about the Philippines in Portugal and of the potential for mutual economic benefits that could arise from broader economic ties between the two countries. Ambassador Lhuillier then noted that both countries are well positioned to serve as gateways to their respective regional markets and looks forward to a more active Portuguese presence in the Philippines.

At the end of the meeting, Ambassador Lhuillier presented the President a copy of a CD featuring a collection of Filipino and Portuguese folk songs. The CD was a joint project between the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon and the Lisbon City Choir to commemorate 70 years of the Philippine-Portugal relations. END