Philippine president leaves for APEC Summit in Russia

MANILA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III left Friday afternoon for Russia to join 20 other leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

In his departure message, Aquino vowed to promote the Philippines as a viable investment destination.

"We will vigorously promote the Philippines at the APEC so that investors will be encouraged to put up their businesses in our country," he said.

Aquino is scheduled to join the meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council where strategies to facilitate trade and investments in Asia-Pacific will be tackled.

At the sidelines of the APEC meeting, he will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Singapore, Chile and Vietnam.

The President's official delegation includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Energy Secretary Rene Almendras, and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

Aquino will return to the Philippines on September 9.