MAY 7 — President Benigno S. Aquino III will kick off his one-day working visit in Chicago with a courtesy call on Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a business meeting with potential investors.
President Aquino will arrive at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Wednesday afternoon (Thursday morning in Manila) and will be welcomed by Philippine officials led by Philippine Consul General in Chicago Generoso Calonge.
Shortly after his arrival, President Aquino will meet with Mayor Emanuel at the J.W. Marriott Chicago.
This will be followed by a business meeting with members of the US Chamber of Commerce and the US – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Council.
After the business meeting, the President will meet with members of the Filipino community here to update them on the good developments in the Philippines.
During a recent interview with Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), Consul General Calonge said the Filipinos here are eagerly awaiting the arrival of President Aquino, noting that this is the President’s first visit to the Windy City.
“They really like to see him because he has transformed the country towards economic progress and peace, and his administration has tried very hard to set us on the right track, especially on the economic and political as well, because of the peace process that he has worked so hard to attain,” Calonge said.
On Thursday, President Aquino will depart for Canada for a four-day state visit aimed at further enhancing bilateral ties and trade relations between the Philippines and Canada.
While in Canada, President Aquino will meet with potential investors and members of the Filipino community there, as well as call on Canadian Governor General David Johnston.
President Aquino will also hold talks with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and witness the signing of agreements that will boost ties between the two countries.
Canada is the 21st largest trading partner of the Philippines, the 6th top source market for tourism, and is home to almost 700,000 Filipinos. PND (co) (Chicago, Illinois)