Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos is 3rd leader in Manila for Apec

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has arrived in Manila for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Manila.

Santos arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 1 at 4:13 p.m. in a Colombian military plane.

His visit marks the first time that a Colombian leader will visit the country since diplomatic relations between Philippines and Colombia was forged in 1946.

He was welcomed to the country by Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Colombian Ambassador to the Philippines Tito Saul Penilla, Assistant Secretary Jesus Domingo and Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. Head and Colombian Stella Marquez Araneta.

Santos is the third world leader who has set foot in the country for the week-long event, with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet arriving first on Sunday and former Taiwan vice president Vincent Siew arriving second early Monday afternoon.

Colombia is not a member of the Apec but has applied for membership since 1995.

Santos has accepted the invitation of President Benigno Aquino III to be an observer in the Apec.

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