Quirinal Palace, Rome, Italy
02 December 2015
President Benigno S. Aquino III and Italian President Sergio Mattarella reaffirmed the commitment to enhance bilateral relations particularly in the fields of trade and investment promotion, labor and economic cooperation, agriculture and security cooperation during their meeting at Quirinal Palace, the official residence of the Italian President, in Rome.
In their half an hour meeting, both leaders also talked on global terrorism issues and how important it to put more efforts in fighting terrorism following the attacks that recently happened in Paris, France this November.
President Aquino thanked Italy for their support on the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program and assistance to development projects in the Philippines. He also conveyed his appreciation for the hospitality of the Italian government to the growing number of Filipinos who are working and/or living in Italy, especially in view of the emergence of anti-immigrant views brought about by the recent events in most EU member states.
President Mattarella, on the other hand, gave his commendation to the great contributions of Filipinos living in Italy along with his congratulations to the succesful Asia-Pacifc Economic Cooperation summit hosting of the Philippines.
Currently, there is a strong partnership between Philippines and Italy in national development and their shared values on democracy, good governance, inclusive growth, and the rule of law. Below are pending bilateral agreements between Philippines and Italy:
- Memorandum of Agreement on Labor Cooperation
- Air Services Agreement
- Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation
- Economic Cooperation on Trade and Investment Relations (SMEs)
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