Aquino to welcome Prince Albert of Monaco to Malacañang Thursday

President Aquino will welcome Prince Albert II of Monaco to Malacañang today (Thursday), one of the last dignitaries the Chief Executive will receive in his final two and a half months in office.

The visiting monarch’s day will start with a wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument at the Rizal Park, after which he will proceed to Malacañang.

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world next to the Vatican City.

According to the official schedule released by the Palace, the two leaders will hold bilateral talks, possibly to be followed by a signing of agreements.

The President and the Prince are also expected to issue a joint statement to be followed by a luncheon hosted by Mr. Aquino. Prince Albert will then fly to Palawan.

A passionate environmental conservationist and an advocate of climate change research, Prince Albert is expected to visit the Tubbataha Reef National Parks in Palawan as well as other sites in the province.

The Prince was in the Philippines 17 years ago to represent his father, the late Prince Rainier, who was invited to the country by then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

While Malacañang has yet to officially announce the agenda for the two leaders’ bilateral talks, it is expected that President Aquino and Prince Albert will discuss marine conservation and other environmental concerns.