By Michaela del Callar
MANILA, Nov. 15 (PNA) — Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet arrived in Manila Sunday afternoon ahead of Asia-Pacific economic leaders for a summit next week as she undertakes her first state visit to the Philippines.
Aboard a 767 military aircraft, Bachelet, Chile’s first woman President, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 at 1:24 p.m.
She was welcomed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Philippine Ambassador to Chile Consuelo Puyat Reyes, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman, and Foreign Affairs Chief Protocal Maria Aileen Bugarin.
Bachelet and Aquino will discuss major bilateral issues, which include trade and investments as both sides are expected to sign a framework agreement leading to negotiations for a free trade accord between the two countries.
Besides Chile and the Philippines, other APEC members include the Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Thailand, United States and Vietnam. (PNA)