Government House, Wellington, New Zealand
23 October 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III and New Zealand Governor General The Right Honorable Sir Jerry Mateparae discussed the commonalities and areas of cooperation between both countries during a bilateral meeting at the Government House.

The President was welcomed by the Governor General especially since this is his first time to visit New Zealand. The leaders talked about the newly signed framework agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on the Bangsamoro region, similarities in culture, history and language of Maōris and native Filipinos plus the priority programs of the Aquino administration in the sectors of job generation, education, health and justice.

President Aquino and Governor General Mateparae were accompanied by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia Benavidez and Official Secretary to the Governor General Niels Holm.

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