PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III and Prince Albert II of Monaco on Thursday witnessed the signing of the Philippines-Monaco Framework Agreement for Cooperation that will form the basis for future cooperation between the two countries.
The Agreement, which covers such areas of cooperation as economic, scientific, humanitarian, and disaster risk reduction and management partnership and environmental protection, was signed in Malacañang Palace by Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Rene Almendras for the Philippines and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Gilles Tonelli for the principality of Monaco.
In his press statement, President Aquino said he and Prince Albert II exchanged views on a number of bilateral and global issues during their meeting.
“We are one in agreeing on the need to further expand cooperation in areas of mutual concern, with the signing of the Framework Agreement for Cooperation a concrete manifestation of this,” he said.
“The agreement will establish a firm foundation upon which further growth in our relations can be achieved, particularly in the areas of economic, scientific, and humanitarian partnerships, and of course environmental protection,” he added.
The President noted that despite the relatively small size of both nations, the Philippines and Monaco have been advocates of climate risk mitigation and were actively involved in negotiations in crafting the Paris Agreement.
He said he also took the opportunity to relate the Philippines’ progress in its contribution to realize the goals of the Paris Agreement.
President Aquino meanwhile expressed hope that Prince Albert would enjoy and learn from his visit to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on Thursday afternoon.
“We likewise hope that, after your visit, you will fully understand why we assert that it’s more fun in the Philippines,” he said.
“Looking forward, I am confident that our bilateral relations will continue to grow and flourish, in light of our commitment to build upon the friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between our peoples,” the President said.
Prince Albert II of Monaco praises Filipino hospitality
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco has thanked President Aquino for the warm welcome accorded to him and the members of his delegation upon their arrival in the Philippines on Wednesday.
“It is with great pleasure that I responded to this kind invitation and today am making my first official visit as Head of State of the Principality of Monaco to the Republic of the Philippines,” Prince Albert II said in a press statement he delivered in Malacañang Palace on Thursday.
He described his discussions with President Aquino as rich, productive and helpful in bringing the two countries closer.
“In this spirit, I express to President Aquino the full availability of the various authorities of my country to welcome Philippine delegations to the Principality in order to deepen the relations between our two countries in domains such as economic, scientific, environmental protection and the diminution of natural catastrophic risks. These exchanges could further seal the friendship between our two countries,” he said.
According to the visiting monarch, he and President Aquino shared and discussed the problems faced by both nations, and agreed on a wider cooperation in environmental matters “for future generations and the preservation of our planet based on a sustainable development model”.
He pointed out that they discussed the necessary concerted actions at the international level to achieve thesegoals.
He further noted that he has the opportunity to visit the Tubbataha Reefs, which he referred to as an “extraordinary marine biodiversity that must be protected by all means”.
Prince Albert II arrived in Malacañang Palace at 10:30 a.m. and was given military honors. PND
