More travel for Aquino

MANILA, Philippines – Just recently back from trips to China and Myanmar for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting and the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, President Benigno Aquino III is again leaving on Tuesday, November 18, for Singapore to meet with business and other sectors. 

He will be there for only one night, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Saturday, November 15, over DZRB.

The trips to Beijing and Nay Pyi Taw cost P24 million, but were said to be important as it allowed Aquino to generate investor interest in the country and talk about the “readiness of the Philippines to cooperate” in addressing global problems such as climate change, the Ebola virus, and terrorism.

In December, the President will be traveling to South Korea to attend the ASEAN-South Korea commemorative summit in Busan. He will also be busy in December with activities kicking off for APEC 2015. After China, the Philippines will be APEC host and chair.

Valte said, “Since our country will be hosting APEC from next month until November 2015, the leaders’ meeting [in Beijing] also served as a turnover of hosting duties from China to the Philippines.”

In Myanmar, the President had more mellow statements for China on maritime disputes. He said, “We agreed to find a constructive solution. We are hopeful that both of us are really focused on finding a solution to this issue.”

Turkish guest

In Manila on Monday, November 17, Aquino will be meeting with visiting Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

Valte said details of the visit are yet to be made available. “Normally, we talk about how to further people-to-people exchanges, how you can stimulate trade between the two countries, and any other bilateral issues that we may need to further discuss with them,” Valte added.

Aquino returned from Myanmar early Friday morning, after attending the ASEAN Summit. – Rappler.com