15 December 2016 – Philippine Ambassador to Italy Domingo P. Nolasco hosted an ASEAN Committee in Rome (ACR) Working Luncheon at the Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel in Rome with Director General for Global Affairs Massimo Gaiani of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) as Guest of Honor.
Ambassadors from Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam attended the lunch. MFAIC’s Deputy Director General for the Countries of Asia and Oceania Ugo Astuto was also present.
Ambassador Nolasco highlighted the activities being conducted by the ACR to promote ASEAN, its goals and values in Italy. He noted that 2017 is a milestone year for the association as it will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
“The Philippines is honored to chair the ASEAN next year while the organization will celebrate a momentous event,” Ambassador Nolasco said.
The Ambassadors and the MFAIC discussed ASEAN-Italy relations and the ongoing political processes in Italy. Director General Gaiani underscored the high importance that Italy gives to its relations with ASEAN. He shared that the Italian Government is looking at activities and programs which it can organize with ASEAN countries to further enhance relations.
The ACR Ambassadors Luncheon, held every month, invites Italian officials to exchange views and insights on issues that are of mutual interest to the member countries. END
