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After China, PNoy to visit US and Japan this month


After his recent five-day state visit to China, President Benigno Aquino III is set to go on an official visit to the US and Japan later this month. At a press briefing Monday after administering the oath of office of 31 newly appointed government officials, generals and flag officers, Aquino said he will be visiting Washington and New York first. "We are going upon President Obama’s invitation, for the Partnership for Open Governance," he told reporters. He said at least 12 countries will participate for the open governance event, two of which will come from Asia – the Philippines and Indonesia. "I think I’ll be talking also before the World Bank there," Aquino said. "I understand that the drives that we have already been achieving in the Philippines is already being highlighted by the World Bank." He believed that he will be bringing home good news upon his return from Japan. "In Japan, it’s an official visit. I think there will be good news if not for both, at least definitely for one, that I will be bringing back home," he said. Aquino returned to the country from China on Saturday evening. He brought home over $11 billion in potential Chinese investment deals for the economy. Last week, Malacanang defended Aquino’s trips abroad, saying these are inevitable due to the several invitations from different countries. Last year, President Aquino said he will limit going out of the country and will only go abroad when "really necessary." Since he assumed office, the President has visited eight countries: Vietnam, United States, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and China. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News

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