Philippines, Monaco Sign Agreement To Strengthen Economic, Scientific Cooperations

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. (PND)