NZ, Aussie PMs to be briefed on peace accord

President Benigno Aquino III. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III will be sharing details of a preliminary deal with Moro rebels with New Zealand Prime Minister (PM) John Key and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard next week, Malacañang said on Friday.

The President, accompanied by a lean delegation, is departing Sunday night for state visits to New Zealand and Australia.

In his Oct. 22-23 visit to New Zealand, Mr. Aquino will meet with Key and Wellington Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, as well as the Filipino community, and business executives.

In his meetings, Mr. Aquino will raise national issues, including the recently signed framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that sought to establish an autonomous Moro homeland, Undersecretary Abigail Valte, deputy presidential spokesperson, said in a briefing.

In New Zealand, the President’s first stop is Auckland, where he will meet with the 36,000-strong Filipino community and speak before the Philippines-New Zealand Business Council, and the New Zealand Philippine Business Council.  He will then fly to Wellington, the capital, to meet with Key and Mateparae.

Aquino in Australia

The President will be in Australia from Oct. 24 to 26. In Canberra, Mr. Aquino will meet with Gillard and Governor-General Quentin Bryce.

His next stop is Sydney where he will address the Philippines-Australia Business Forum, meet with top CEOs, and speak before The Asia Society of Australia and the Australia Philippine Business Council.

He will also unveil a statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Campbelltown in Sydney, and interact with some members of the 224,000-strong Filipino community in Australia.

Joining the President are Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and Strategic Communication Secretary Ricky Carandang.