PHL, Monaco sign agreement to further expand cooperation

The Philippines and Monaco on Thursday agreed to further expand their cooperation particularly in the areas of economic, scientific, humanitarian and disaster risk reduction and management partnership and environmental protection.

The Framework Agreement for Cooperation was signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Rene Almendras on behalf of the Philippine government, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Gilles Tonelli of the Principality of Monaco.

The signing was done after the bilateral talks between President Benigno Aquino III and Prince Albert II. The monarch is in the country for a two-day official visit.

In his speech during the joint press conference, Aquino said the Philippines and Monaco “are one in agreeing on the need to further expand cooperation in areas of mutual concern.”

“The signing of the Framework Agreement for Cooperation (is) a concrete manifestation of this. 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 said.

He also expressed confidence that the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Monaco “will continue to grow and flourish, in light of our commitment to build upon the friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between our peoples.”

Aquino said Prince Albert II’s visit to the country came at a meaningful time as 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“In November of 1999, the Prince visited our country in another capacity. This, however, is his first visit as Head of State—which is another milestone in its own right,” he said.

He thanked the people of Monaco, Prince Albert II, and members of the Monegasque Royal Family for always extending a helping hand to underprivileged Filipinos through their charity work. 

“In particular, you stood with Filipinos in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, which, at that point in time, was the strongest storm to make landfall in recorded history. You gave to my countrymen so willingly, and I am told that, in proportion to its size, the Principality of Monaco was one of the most generous states in terms of aid extended—and for this, you have the eternal gratitude of our country,” Aquino said. 

He also lauded the monarch’s advocacy for environmental protection and sustainable development. 

“Despite the relatively small size of our nations, we have been advocates of climate risk mitigation. Both the Philippines and Monaco were actively involved in negotiations in crafting the Paris Agreement. As the Prince and I exchanged views on the outcome of last year’s COP21, I also took the opportunity to relate our progress in our nation’s contribution to realize the goals of the Paris Agreement,” he said.

Aquino expressed hope Prince Albert II will enjoy his visit to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for both for its natural beauty and high diversity of marine life. 

“Let me express the hope that you will continue to enjoy and learn from this visit, as you did back in 1999. Furthermore, we likewise hope that, after your visit, you will fully understand why we assert that it’s more fun in the Philippines,” he said.

For his part, Prince Albert II believed that their discussions “will be rich, productive and help[ful] to bring our two countries even closer together.”

“Through our conversations, we have shared and discussed the problems faced by both our nations and which transcend our borders. Our points of convergence concern environmental matters for future generations and the preservation of our planet based on a sustainable development model. We discussed the necessary concerted actions at international level to achieve these goals,” he said in his speech.

He assured Aquino that his officials will be fully available to welcome Philippine delegations “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. — RSJ, GMA News