Mexico | National Day

A Tequila Toast – Ambassador Ventura and the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps toast UK-Mexican ties

Colombian Ambassador Nestor Osorio, Paola Napoli, Ambassador Ventura and Mariana Luiselli

Ambassador Ventura and his wife Mariana welcome the IMO Secretary General Mr Kitack Lim

The Ambassador of Paraguay Mr Genaro Pappalardo congratulates Ambassador Ventura on his National Day

The wife of the Mexican Ambassador Mariana Luiselli welcomes the Ambassador of Portugal Mr Manuel Lobo Antunes

A Tequila Toast – Ambassador Ventura and the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps toast UK-Mexican ties

The Ambassador of Argentina Mr Carlos Sersale Di Cerisano, Linette De Jager, Ambassador Ventura and Mariana Luiselli

Ambassador Ventura in discussion with Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn and his Mexican wife Laura Alvarez

Mrs Patricia Cornej (Ecuador), the Ambassador of Korea Mr Hwang Joonkook and his wife Mrs Shil Rhee

The Ambassador of Uruguay Fernando López-Fabregat and his wife Carolina Silveira

Firm friends
Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn joined Mexican Ambassador Julián Ventura Valero on his first national day in London, to celebrate the “everlasting friendship” between Mexico and the UK at a vibrant, but reflective, reception. In the wake of the recent earthquake, the Ambassador thanked the UK for its “expressions of solidarity” while toasting the close links between the countries. “Today our historically close links are strengthened through contacts that go beyond governments to include students, parliamentarians, NGOs, the business community and civil society. It’s a partnership grounded in the genuine friendship between our two peoples.”
Reciprocating with a Tequila toast, Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps Alistair Harrison added: “In an increasingly uncertain world it’s excellent to have such firm friends.”
Guests sampled the spirit of Mexico with a selection of Mezcal and Tequila, authentic Mexican cuisine and a Mexican craft market.
PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS