Aquino leaves for France, Italy and Vatican City

President Aquino, together with the Philippine delegation, has left the country on Sunday morning for his week-long visit to France, Italy and the Vatican City.

Aquino’s first stop will be in Paris, France, where he will be joining fellow world leaders at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), state media reported.

“Sa Conference of the Parties o COP21, ibabahaginatinsaibangmgabansaangatingkaranasansapagharap at pagbangonsamatitindingkalamidad,” President Aquino said in a statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

“Sa Climate Vulnerable Forum namanpo, magsisilbitayongkinatawanngmgabansangpangunahingnaaapektuhanngdumadalas at lumalakasnabugsongkalamidadnadulotngpagbabagosaklima,” the Chief Executive said.

Aquino said the COP21 is the best opportunity to tackle issues related to climate change.

“Noon nga pong 2009, nagkaroonngpagsisikapsa Copenhagen, Denmark naitaguyodangmakatarungangobligasyonngmgabansasapagbabawasngkanilanggreenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

“Nabigo pong makabuong consensus sanaturangkumperensya. Magandangpagkakataonpoangmgapagtitiponsa Paris upangmulinghumakbang at idiinanghalagangpagkakaisaukolsa climate change,” he said.

COP21 aims to reach a legally binding and universal agreement on climate change.

“KaisanatinsaprinsipyongitosiPangulong Francois Hollandeng France.NoongbumisitasiyasabansanitongPebrero, katuwangnatinsiyasapaglulunsadngManila Call to Action on Climate Change,” said Aquino.

The President said he would be extending his sympathy to the people of France following the recent violent attacks across Paris.

While in France, he said he would also be meeting with various businessmen of companies to discuss trade and investment opportunities in the Philippine

In Italy, Aquino said he will also meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister MatteoRenzi to discuss plans on striking a deal that would benefit the Filipino people.

The President’s last stop in Euro Ape is the Vatican City, where he is expected to witness the blessing of a mosaic sculpture of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. He will also have an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis, local media reported.