Pres. Aquino arrives in Paris for two-day official visit

President Aquino arrives at the Orly International Airport for his Official Visit to Paris, France on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

PARIS, France — President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived here Wednesday morning for a two-day official visit to hold bilateral talks and meetings with leading French businessmen.

President Aquino and members of the official delegation arrived at about 10:05 a.m. (4:05 p.m. in Manila) via a chartered flight at the Orly International Airport, following his successful visits to Spain and Belgium.

After the arrival honors, the President proceeded to the Arc De Triomphe, built between 1806 and 1836 in honor of those who had fought for France, for a wreath-laying ceremony.

While in Paris, the Chief Executive’s third stop of his four-nation European tour, the President and his official delegation will meet with French President François Hollande at Elyseé Palace to discuss issues of mutual interest, including cooperations in disaster risk reduction and management, and health.

The President will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Valls to tackle issues involving the Filipino community in France and developments in the Philippine economy.

Another highlight of the President’s visit is a policy speech he will deliver at a forum organized by the French Institute for International Relations.

President Aquino will also sit down with the CEOs of major French companies and meet with the Filipino community, composed of members of about 50 active associations.