Mr. Chairman! Excellencies! Dear friends!
Let me begin by expressing my gratitude to Dr. Juan Carretero, Director of the Centro de Estudios sobre Asia y Oceania, for having given me this opportunity to address this gathering of dignitaries, academics, researchers, diplomats, and friends! I also wish to thank Dr. Eduardo Regalado, Deputy Director, and Ms. Claudia Gonzalez, Researcher, for their contribution and help.