The first head of state to arrive in Manila for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting is the President of Chile, Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet. Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lieutenant General Jeffrey Delgado, as military host, received the Chilean President.
President Bachelet arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 afternoon today for her first state visit in the country and APEC.
“President Aquino is set to welcome at Malacanang Palace the President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet who is also one of the economic leaders that will participate in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings,” Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in an interview with Radyo ng Bayan. “They will have bilateral meeting that will result in the agreements.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured that the security measures for the coming of some 17 leaders and three representatives for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit next week is “under control,” amid the terrorist attacks in France.
“Of course, our security officials are monitoring and assessing the situation and we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of all delegates in the AELM [APEC Leaders’ Meeting], especially the economic leaders,” he added.
The Philippines is expecting 17 leaders and three representatives after Russia and Indonesia confirmed the non-attendance of their presidents, Vladimir Putin and Joko Widodo, respectively. As an established practice, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) will send a representative in place of President Ma Ying-jeou. with PNA