09 January 2014 - The new Portuguese Non-Resident Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Joaquim Alberto De Sousa Moreira De Lemos, today, January 08, called on Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador De Lemos, who earlier presented his credentials to President Benigno S. Aquino III, took the opportunity to convey Portugal’s desire to reinvigorate Portuguese–Philippine bilateral relations, notwithstanding the Portuguese government’s closure of its resident embassy in Manila in 2011.

Ambassador De Lemos stated that the Portuguese economy is on its way to recovery and there is now a potential for greater cooperation between Portugal and the Philippines in the economic front.

Assistant Secretary Collinson, for her part expressed that the Philippines is as keen as Portugal to promote bilateral exchanges in the fields of trade and investment, tourism, education, and culture. She also cited the importance of a Joint Bilateral mechanism between the Philippines and Portugal.  

During the courtesy call, Ambassador De Lemos was accompanied by Portugal’s Honorary Consul in Manila, Mr. Antonio Rufino. END