President Aquino is back from his five-day visit to Canada and the United States where he secured closer economic and defense cooperation as well as huge investments for the Philippines.
Upon arrival in Manila Monday morning, the President said his long and weary visit to the two countries has been worthwhile given the significant gains that will benefit the country.
“We consider this foreign trip as an investment on the future of Filipinos. Apart from bringing home the fruits of this visit, we also sowed seeds that will certainly be reaped for generations to come,” Aquino said in his arrival statement.
“In the five-day trip outside the country, we may have spent 37 hours inflight and 83 hours on land and crossed a few timezones but our weariness, lack of sleep and travel fatigue related to this trip are all worthwhile,” the President said.
Aquino met with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa where they tackled new initiatives such as a possible free trade pact and enhanced security cooperation to counter terrorism and other threats.
Aquino said he was excited about the start of the exploratory discussions towards free trade agreement between the Philippines and Canada. “Once this agreement is implemented, I am certain that bilateral trade will grow further and generate jobs and opportunities for Filipinos,” he said.
Manila Bulletin
