NAIA Terminal II, Pasay City
6 November 2012

After his first successful participation at the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) held last November 5-6 at Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II bearing good news for the Filipino people.

In his message, President Aquino assured the European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in a trilateral meeting that the country is doing its outmost best to meet their demands.

The Philippines is now among the white listed countries at the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) audit.

Similarly, in a discussion with Prime Minister Mario Monti of Italy, the Philippines is now on its way towards leaving the Italian financial blacklist.

Prime Minister Jen Stoltenberg of Norway, on the other hand, promised continuous support in terms of investment as they have been persistently active in the country’s stock exchange.

President Aquino also stated that one of the biggest reasons for his travel is about the welfare and protection of the overseas Filipino workers.

“Hindi ako makakapayag na mailagay sa alanganin ang kaligtasan ng mga migrant workers natin; hindi ko hahayaang mapunta sa wala ang mga sakripisyo’t pagtitiis ni Juan dela Cruz,” he said.

According to President Aquino, the other dignitaries of the occasion were also impressed with the Framework Agreement with the Bangsamoro.

“Talaga naman pong umuugong ang paghanga, at iisa ang bukambibig ng iba’t-ibang nasyon tungkol sa atin. Ang layo na talaga ng narating ng Pilipinas, at nais naming maging bahagi sa mga makasaysayang repormang hatid ninyo sa mga Pilipino,” the President added.

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