20 January 2017, Rome – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. boosted Philippine-Italian relations by signing the Philippines-Italy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Establishment of a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism with Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano at the Foreign Ministry in Rome, Italy on 18 January 2017.

“The MOU on Bilateral Consultations will provide momentum to Philippine-Italian relations by providing a mechanism for its officials to regularly meet and discuss bilateral and global concerns,” said Secretary Yasay.

The Secretary added that “the issues that will be discussed during the bilateral consultations will be wide-ranging, encompassing political, economic and transnational, as well as people-to-people ties.”

After the signing, Secretary Yasay and Foreign Minister Alfano discussed how to strengthen Philippine-Italian relations, especially as it enters its 70th year anniversary in July 2017.

“We would like to pursue more trade and investments cooperation with Italy. Philippine-Italian trade has been increasing through the years, but it still has not reached its full potential,” said Secretary Yasay to Foreign Minister Alfano.

Secretary Yasay also thanked Italy for its development assistance in Mindanao. Italy has been providing support for the development of agrarian reform communities in Mindanao in the past years.

Foreign Minister Alfano also recognized the thriving Filipino community in Italy, citing that Filipino workers are hardworking, disciplined, and well-integrated. Secretary Yasay conveyed his gratitude for how the Italian government has welcomed and treated overseas Filipino workers.

“Our meeting today is a great start for 2017 and Philippine-Italian relations. I hope that this will provide impetus to our multifaceted relationship,” said Secretary Yasay to the Italian Foreign Minister. END