Vientiane, Lao PDR
4 November 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at Wattay International Airport by 2:45 pm (Laos time) to officially begin his visit to Lao People’s Democratic Republic. He is set to participate in the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 9) from 5-6 November 2012 for the first time since assuming the office as Chief Executive.

He is accompanied by members of the Cabinet namely, Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Finance (DOF) Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory Domingo, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Arsenio Balisacan, and newly-appointed Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras.

The President was met at the airport by Philippine Embassy officials and staff led by Ambassador Maria Lumen Isleta and DFA Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Buensuceso.

In the two-day ASEM 9 from 5-6 November 2012, President Aquino will highlight the country’s accomplishments in good governance and inclusive growth, while calling for a reinforced Asia-Europe economic partnership to further advance Asia’s economic emergence and Europe’s long-term economic recovery. He will also participate in the discussion on migration, underscoring the importance of upholding the rights of migrant workers at this time of economic difficulties in a number of host countries.

From the airport, the President proceeded to Don Chan Villa that was especially built by the Laos government for the Heads of State and Government participating in the ASEM 9.

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