President’s Hall, Malacañan Palace
15 July 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed World Bank Group President Dr. Jim Yong Kim together with members of his delegation in a courtesy call at the Malacañan Palace.

During the meeting, President Aquino and Dr. Kim shared their views on relevant topics including issues surrounding the disputed West Philippine Sea where both parties agreed to handle the matter diplomatically, adopting a ‘united approach’ with other nations involved in the territorial claim.

Dr. Kim also praised President Aquino in implementing transparency and good governance, attributing its effect with the Philippines being recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies of the East Asia and Pacific region.

The courtesy call ended in high hopes for the renewed partnership between the Philippine government and the World Bank Group.

Headed by Dr. Kim, he was joined by high-ranking World Bank executives and officials including East Asia and Pacific Vice President Mr. Axel van Trotsenburg, Communications Advisor Mr. John Donelly, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Regional Director of East Asia Pacific Mr. Sergio Pimenta, and World Bank Philippines Country Director Mr. Mitoo Konishi.

The President was joined by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman, and Philippine Ambassador to Washington D.C. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.

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