Monaco’s Prince Albert with President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañang. PHOTO FROM THE PHILIPPINE GAZETTE
Prince Albert II of Monaco visited Malacañang on Thursday morning to meet President Benigno Aquino III and attend a state luncheon.
The prince arrived at around 10:30 a.m. in Malacañang and was received with a traditional welcome ceremony at the Palace grounds.
Aquino accompanied him in inspecting the troops and introduced him to his Cabinet members.
BACKSTORY: Aquino to welcome Prince Albert of Monaco to Malacañang Thursday
After a series of meetings, Aquino and Prince Albert signed the Philippine-Monaco Framework Agreement for Cooperation.
Aquino 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.”
READ: Prince Albert in Manila, on his way to Tubbataha
Prince Albert, during a joint press conference, thanked Aquino and his officials for an “extremely warm welcome.”
“It is with great pleasure that I responded to this kind invitation and today making my first official visit as Head of State of the Principality of Monaco to the Republic of the Philippines,” said the prince, who last visited the country 17 years ago to represent his father, the late Prince Rainier.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Monaco, the second smallest country in the world.
Aquino called Prince Albert’s visit a “milestone.”
“Young though our relations may be, the people of Monaco have always been firm friends to our own people,” he said, adding that Monaco was one of the countries that helped Filipinos after Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) devastated many parts of the country.
“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,” he said.
Prince Albert, who is also known for being an environmentalist, said the two countries both share the concern for “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.
After the state luncheon, the prince will head to the airport and visit the Tubbataha Reefs, which he called an “extraordinary marine biodiversity that must be protected by all means.”
The Tubbataha is a marine and bird sanctuary southeast of Palawan. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Aquino, on a lighter note, said he hopes the prince will “fully understand why we assert that it’s more fun in the Philippines.” IDL