Aquino to raise ‘pressing issues’ with Apec leaders

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III is expected to raise some pressing regional issues with neighboring countries present at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders' Meeting in Vladivostok, Russia.

Aquino and his lean delegation left for Russia at 1 p.m. Friday onboard Philippine Airlines flight PR-001 to attend the 20th Apec summit from September 8 to 9.

"This summit is an opportunity for us to conduct dialogue with other countries participating in the Apec and further strengthen our relationship towards prosperity. Moreover, there are also pressing issues we intend to raise with neighboring countries present at the summit," the President said in his departure statement during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2.

He noted that participating in the summit is important to promote continuing peace and cooperation among countries in the Asia Pacific.

He said he will participate in the Apec Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meeting, which is a key feature of the APEC summit, where leaders discuss trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific.

"We will lay down in the Apec opportunities in the Philippines and we will encourage them further to invest in our country," he said.

"Every capital they invest in our country is an additional foundation for a brighter future for our people," he added.

The Chief Executive said the public could expect good news as he returns to the country on Sunday.

Present during the send-off were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Cavite Representative Joseph Emilio Abaya, Presidential Communications Operations Office Sonny Coloma, and Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang, among others.

Some of the Cabinet secretaries who are part of the lean delegation of the President include Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima.

Lacierda earlier said that Roxas was part of the delegation but it was clarified by Carandang in an ambush interview with the media during the send-off.

"It was just a mistake. I asked Secretary Roxas and he is really not part of the delegation," Carandang said.

Meanwhile, Malacañang could not confirm whether the bilateral meeting between the President and Chinese President Hu Jintao will push through.

"We don't have final confirmation yet if that will push through. As I said earlier, we hope that if the President arrives in Vladivostok there will be final word on that," said Carandang. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)