NAIA Terminal 2, Pasay City
6 October 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III left for Bali, Indonesia to participate in the 21st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting from October 6 to 8.

This year’s theme, “Towards Resilience and Growth: Reshaping Priorities for Global Economy,” aims to achieve sustainable growth with equity and promote connectivity within the countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

In his speech, President Aquino said that the AELM is a great venue to further strengthen the relations of the Philippines with its neighboring countries and that he will participate in laying down initiatives to raise the level of education, infrastructure, and micro, small and medium enterprises in the region.

After Indonesia, the President is also set to attend the 23rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Brunei Darussalam this October 8 to 10. Aside from the country leaders in Southeast Asia and East Asia, the President will be meeting with officials from Korea, China, India, and the United States.

“Taas-noo nating ibabahagi sa kanila ang positibong transpormasyon sa bansa, at ang tumataas nating kakayahan na makipagtulungan sa iba’t ibang larangan: sa usapin ng climate change at disaster management, maritime security, at sa pagpapaigting ng free trade agreement sa mga karatig-bayan sa pamamagitan ng Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership,” he remarked.

President Aquino also gave assurance that the welfare of the Filipino people will be his priority while on this trip. “Sa ating pagbabalik, taglay natin ang mas malawak na kakayahan at punto-de-bista upang tugunan ang anumang problemang lumalapag sa atin,” he said.

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