MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Saturday, November 28, said President Benigno Aquino III will witness the signing of a deal in Italy that will allow direct flights between Manila and Rome when he goes on an official visit to Italy next week.

In an interview over state-run dzRB, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said Aquino’s trip to Rome, Italy, includes the “expansion of the Air Services Agreement that will open direct commercial flights between Manila and Rome.”

“Further improvement on bilateral trade and investments between Manila and Rome is also expected, as the President will witness the signing of an Air Services Agreement, which is seen to benefit Filipino workers and investors coming from Italy,” Malacañang said in an earlier statement.

Philippine Airlines “last flew to Italy in 1994,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said. 

Now, Philippine and Italian airlines can resume direct flights to and from the Philippines and Italy, after the European Commission in June lifted its ban on Philippine carriers. 

Helping thousands of Filipinos

“This agreement will benefit some 170,000 Filipinos and their families who work and reside in Italy, among other overseas Filipino workers based in Europe, by affording them the option to take direct flights back home, help boost tourism, and encourage increased business travel between the two countries,” the DFA said. 

Aquino is flying to Europe along with members of his Cabinet on Sunday, November 29, for a trip that will bring him to France, Italy, and Vatican City.

In France, Aquino will attend the highly anticipated UN climate summit known as “COP 21,” or United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 21st Conference of Parties. (READ: What’s happening in Paris in December? 10 things to know)

Then, on December 1, Aquino will proceed to Rome before going to Vatican City. 

In Rome, he will hold bilateral talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. 

In Vatican City on December 4, Aquino will meet with Pope Francis to again thank the pontiff for his Philippine trip in January of this year, and to update him on rehabilitation efforts for areas hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November 2013. – Rappler.com