On the margins of the APEC Summit in Beijing, Prime Minister Stephen Harper met today with Benigno Aquino III, President of the Philippines. President Aquino extended personal condolences for the attacks in Canada on October 20 and 22.
One year after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in November 2013, the leaders discussed progress on reconstruction efforts in the affected regions of the Philippines. President Aquino reiterated his thanks to Canada for its many contributions following the typhoon and through the reconstruction phase.
Underlining the importance of the bilateral relationship, Prime Minister Harper noted that the Philippines was now a development country of focus and a priority in Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan. The leaders took stock of progress on bilateral issues, including trade and economic relations and the potential to grow those ties in the future, including in the natural resource sector. The leaders also discussed the key role of APEC in driving economic integration in the region and Prime Minister Harper wished President Aquino success in hosting the 2015 APEC Summit.
They also took the opportunity to discuss international and regional issues of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Harper concluded by reiterating his invitation for President Aquino to visit Canada. Prime Minister Harper made a bilateral visit to the Philippines in late 2012.
