Malacañan Palace
11 December 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed British Foreign and Commonwealth Minister, Right Honourable Hugo Swire MP in a courtesy call held at the Malacañan Palace.

British Minister Swire is in the country for a two-day visit to promote trade and boost bilateral links between the two countries. His first official trip in the Philippines forms part of his Southeast Asia tour, which include Brunei and Burma.

After the call, Swire signed the Joint Plan of Action and the Air Services Agreement with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario. These agreements will lift relations, from business links to political cooperation, to a higher level and as well as to further peace-building in Mindanao.

Other officials also present during the call were UK Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Lillie and Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Buensuceso.

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