Upon arrival at the Palace courtyard, Ambassador Lhuillier was rendered another military salute where the Philippine and Portuguese national anthems were played.

At the precise moment, President Anibal Cavaco Silva formally received the Philippine Ambassador in the elegantly adorned Ambassadors Room of the Palace.

After presenting his Letter of Credence, the Ambassador was given a private audience with the President where he conveyed the warm greetings of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the deep appreciation of the Philippine Government and Filipino people for the close ties and the vibrant partnership existing between the Philippines and Portugal.

Ambassador Lhuillier expressed his desire for more active and productive engagements at all levels and areas that would bring greater collaboration and connectivity between the two countries.

President Cavaco Silva noted the importance of Asia in Portugal´s foreign and economic policy and emphasized the importance of the Philippines to Portugal. He acknowledged the history of friendship between the two countries and the contribution of overseas Filipinos to his own country and to the Philippine economy through their US$20 billion annual remittances.