Philippine Ambassador Attends King and Queen of Spain’s Reception for Diplomatic Corps Held at the Royal Palace in Madrid

His Majesties, King Felipe VI and Queen Letiza of Spain, warmly receive Philippine Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier during a reception held for the Diplomatic Corps at the Royal Palace in Madrid
(© Casa de S.M. el Rey)

Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier attended the diplomatic reception hosted by the King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain for the Diplomatic Corps in celebration of the New Year, which was held on 05 February 2020 at the Royal Palace.  The Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, H.E. María Aránzazu González Laya was also present to receive the attendees.

In his speech, King Felipe VI emphasized Spain’s prioritization of “preventive diplomacy, mediation and humanitarian diplomacy.” He further cited the protection and promotion of human rights as the backbone of Spain’s foreign action, and added that the improvement of the status of women throughout the world remains an important goal.

King Felipe VI shakes hands with Ambassador Lhuillier during the diplomatic reception (© Casa de S.M. el Rey)

The King further stated, “We are witnessing an accelerated change in the paradigm of international relations, in a multipolar order governed, in large measure, by power and competition policies for spheres of influence. Spain bets on change, for a just world order, based on international law and collaboration between States, as well as effective and inclusive multilateralism, with the center of gravity in a reformed United Nations.”

The Papal Nuncio to Spain Monsignor Bernardito Auza, who was born in Bohol, also gave a speech as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Spain.

His Majesties greet to welcome the Papal Nuncio to Spain, Monsignor Bernardito Auza (© Casa de S.M. el Rey)