24 October 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at exactly 12 midnight (Australia time) at the Defense Establishment Fairbairn in Canberra, Australia for a three-day visit to the cities of Canberra and Sydney. He was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia Belen Anota, Assistant Secretary Frank Leverett of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ceremonial and Hospitality Branch of Australia, and other officials of the Philippine embassy. The President went straight to the Hyatt Hotel where he will stay for the duration of his visit to the city. He is scheduled to meet with Australian Governor-General Ms. Quentin Bryce, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and other officials of Australia.

Among the members of the delegation are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ramon Carandang and some business executives.

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