H.E. PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO ARRIVED IN BANGKOK ON 22 JANUARY 2008

H.E. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo arrived at the Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday, 22 January 2008, for a brief stopover en route to Davos, Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum. The President and the First Gentleman were warmly welcomed at the airport by Philippine Embassy personnel, led by Ambassador and Mrs. Antonio V. Rodriguez, and high-ranking Thai government officials led by Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand and Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Virasakdi Futrakul.

During her brief stay at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, President Arroyo and Minister Piyasvasti discussed various issues of mutual concern, particularly energy cooperation. The President also took the opportunity to express the Philippines’ deep sympathies to the Royal Family and the people of Thailand over the demise of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

The President’s delegation included Cabinet members, such as Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, and Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, leaders of Congress, such as Senate Foreign Relations Chairperson Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Deputy House Speaker Ma. Amelita Villarosa, and senior government officials, including Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo.

From Davos, the President and her delegation will head for Dubai to further enhance trade, investments and other commercial relations of the Philippines with countries in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, as well as launch investment tools for overseas Filipino workers in the region.