DFA
Secretary Visits Hong Kong Prior to his meeting with the Chief Executive, Secretary Ople, together with HKSAR Secretary for Home Affairs Dr. Patrick Ho, will sign the Philippine-Hong Kong Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation which provide the framework for the holding of increased cultural and educational exchanges. Secretary Ople will address the business community in Hong Kong during a luncheon organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and other HK business groups. He is expected to talk about trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines, the intensification of Philippine-HK economic cooperation and the impact of the looming conflict in Iraq on the economies of the region. Secretary Ople will also be the guest of honor of the Consuls General of ASEAN countries based in Hong Kong in a dinner on 13 February where HKSAR Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Mr. Peter Lam and Secretary for Home Affairs Dr. Patrick Ho will also be present. Secretary Ople is also scheduled to meet with Philippine Government Representatives, the Filipino community and business groups in Hong Kong to commence preparation for a possible visit of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Hong Kong sometime in Mayor June this year primarily intended to deepen bilateral relations with Hong Kong. The Philippine President has a standing invitation to visit Hong Kong extended recently by CLSA and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Philippine Consul General Victoria S. Bataclan said that she views the visit of high level Filipino officials in Hong Kong as a continuing reaffirmation of the Philippine commitment to further expand and deepen existing close relations with Hong Kong and to underscore the importance with which the Philippines attaches on its relations with HK as a long time economic partner and friend in the region. Secretary Ople will meet with local and international media on 15 February, 11:00 a.m. at 7/F Kennedy Room, Conrad Hotel.
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