Working Visit to the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium
15-17 September 2014

From Madrid, President Benigno S. Aquino III heads to Brussels to embark on his first Working Visit to the European Union (EU) and the Kingdom of Belgium from 15-17 September 2014.

His visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of Philippines – European Union relations that was established on 12 May 1964.

The Chief Executive is set to meet and hold a joint press conference with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, as well as meet with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy.

Likewise, President Aquino is scheduled to have an audience with His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium and hold a meeting with Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo to further strengthen harmony and close cooperation between the two countries.

Belgium consistently remains as one of the Philippines’ biggest trading partners and is one of the major European investors in terms of foreign direct investments (FDIs). The European nation has also been a strong development partner of the country through its assistance in direct bilateral aid, indirect aid through non-government organizations (NGOs) and scholarships, multilateral aid, emergency assistance and concessional financing.

President Aquino is also taking time to meet with the Filipino community in Belgium and attend a Conference on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Program for Infrastructure Projects in the Philippines to attract more foreign investors.

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Activities in Brussels,Belgium

Bus. Mtg. w/ CEO of Asia House
Bus. Mtg. w/ CEO of HSBC	Policy Speech w/ the Egmont Institute (Speech)
Policy Speech w/ the Egmont Institute	Policy Speech w/ the Egmont Institute (Speech)
PPP Infrastructure Conference (Speech)	PPP Infrastructure Conference
Mtg. w/ PM Elio Di Rupo	Joint Press Statement w/ HE Rompuy
Mtg. w/ European Council Pres. Rompuy	Mtg. w/ the Filipino Community (Speech)
Mtg. w/ the Filipino Community	Audience w/ HM King Philippe
Joint Press Conference	Mtg. w/ European Commission Pres. Barroso
Arrival in Brussels, Belgium	Media Briefing (On Board PR001)