Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today said that the hosting by the Philippines from 31 August to 4 September 2003 of the Fourth General Assembly of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP) is a great honor for the country and a tribute to the leadership of both Houses of the Congress of the Philippines.  Leaders and members of parliaments from 30 Asian countries will be in Manila for this meeting.

“The hosting by our Congress of this important meeting brings great honor to our country and reinforces the confidence that the international community has in our people, government and leadership,” Secretary Ople said.  He added that this meeting is a tribute to the leadership of both Houses of Congress.  Before assuming his current position as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Secretary Ople was a member of the Philippine Senate where he held the position of Senate President.

“This meeting will result in greater and renewed cooperation in promoting peace, stability and development in Asia,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary added that on the occasion of the AAPP meeting, the head of the legislature of China, Chairman Wu Bangguo, will also be paying an official visit to the Philippines.

“The visit of Chairman Wu to the Philippines will certainly be a big boost to our relations with China.  During my official visit to China last week, I met with Chairman Wu and he pledged his full support in strengthening our relations.  He also told me that he was eagerly looking forward to his visit to the Philippines,” the Secretary said. END