Aquino to visit US, Japan this September

MANILA, Philippines—President Aquino on Monday said he will visit the United States and Japan this month.

Just back from his five-day visit to China, the President confirmed he will first head to the US, particularly in Washington, D.C., and New York City, for a working visit.

“We are going to—on (US) President Obama’s invitation—to the Partnership for Open Governance (conference),” Aquino told reporters in a chance interview after he led the oath-taking rites for new appointed officials in Malacañang.

The conference will be held in New York City and will be participated in by 12 countries, including two from Asia—the Philippines and Indonesia—according to Aquino.

The President said he will speak before the World Bank, apparently in reference to a conference to be held by WB in Washington, D.C., in late September.

“I understand that the drives that we have already been achieving in the Philippines are already being highlighted by the World Bank,” he said.

Aquino also said he will go on an official visit to Japan.

“I think there will be good news if not for both, at least definitely for one, that I will be bringing back home,” the Chief Executive said.

It will be the second time Aquino will visit the US and Japan since assuming office last year.

The President returned Saturday after a successful state visit in China where he was able to clinch over P13 billion in potential investments.