Sydney, Australia
26 October 2012

After the successful five-day visit to New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Australia, President Benigno S. Aquino III departed for Manila via Philippine Airlines flight PR001 at the Hawker Pacific Flight Center at Sydney International Airport.

President Aquino’s visit to New Zealand focused on strengthening the political, economic, defense and development cooperation, and people-to-people relations between the two nations. He exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual concern with Prime Minister John Key and Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae. He also met with the members of the Filipino community and had one-on-one meetings with some New Zealand corporations.

In Australia, the President also met with more than a thousand Filipinos and unveiled the statue of the Philippine’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, at the Rizal Park in Campbelltown. In his meeting with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the two leaders discussed about the national developments including the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The President also keynoted the Philippines-Australia Business Forum.

*   *   *