PNoy getting ready for regional summits

President Benigno S. Aquino III shares a light moment with Ayala Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima during the courtesy call of the ASEAN Business Club at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 21, 2014). The ASEAN Business Club is an association of the chief executives of ASEAN’s most important business enterprises, who are committed to the advancement of the ASEAN agenda. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA – President Aquino is now preparing for his trips to China and Burma to attend important regional summits.

He will be participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) meetings, according to Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

He will also be attending “other government officials and concerned agencies, primarily LGUs (local government units) that are part of the executive branch are participating in the commemoration activities.”

On Sunday, the President will be flying to Beijing, this year’s host of the Apec Leader’s Summit which is scheduled from Nov. 5 to 11.

US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin are also expected to grace the major international forum.

Aquino will then be flying to Naypyitaw, the administrative capital of Burma for the 25th Asean Summit of Leaders which will be held from Nov. 12 to 13.

“The President will also take part in the plenary session of the leaders on Asean connectivity.

He will also join the launching of the Asean Institute of Green Economy,” Coloma said.

Coloma, meanwhile, added that while Aquino is busy preparing for these meeting, the President also continues to prioritize pressing issues in the country including the prevention measures on Ebola and the Bangsamoro improvement.

“While preparing to meet with other world leaders in the Apec and Asean summits, he continues to focus on other urgent priorities such as the deterrence and prevention measures on Ebola, Bangsamoro development, and improvement of government frontline services,” Coloma said.