St. Regis Hotel, Beijing
10 November 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a bilateral meeting held at St. Regis Hotel in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.

According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Philippines has been selected to be included in Canada’s international development assistant program as ‘Country of Focus’ together with other countries, which the Philippines will enjoy the economic thrust. He also added that the country will greatly benefit in terms of trade priority which focuses in providing a two-way trade and market access to the Philippines.

Both leaders also discussed international issues regarding the application of international law in resolving regional disputes. They also touched on the atrocities spread by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) that have gained global concerns.

President Aquino thanked Prime Minister Harper for the overwhelming support and assistance Canada has extended to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. He also expressed gratitude over Canada’s continuing assistance to the Philippines’ APEC chairmanship in 2015.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper also noted the invaluable contribution of the Filipinos in Canada, citing how well they have integrated in the society, and even succeeded in their respective professions.

Joining the Canada side were Minister of International Trade Ed Fast, Deputy Chief of Staff Prime Minister’s Office Howard Anglin, Foreign and Defense Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister and Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Privy Council Office Christine Hogan, Policy Advisor, Foreign Affairs Prime Minister’s Office Meredith Lilly, Chief of Staff Office of the Minister of International Trade Bill Hawkins, and Director of the Executive Relations and Outreach Prime Minister’s Office Mr. Jeremy Hunt.

Also present were Philippine Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China Erlinda F. Basilio, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, and Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Andrea Abad.

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