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| Aquino may visit Vietnam, Indonesia before US trip |
| 23-AUG-2010 Intellasia | Manila Bulletin |
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| 23 Aug, 2010 - 7:00:00 AM |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III may travel to Indonesia and Vietnam next month prior to his working trip in the United States, according to a Palace official.
Ramon Carandang, secretary of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO), announced possible changes in the President's maiden foreign travels in deference to the country's neighbours in Asia while assuring the Chief Executive will remain a thrifty traveler abroad.
Malacañang previously announced President Aquino's visit to the United States on September 20 would be his first journey abroad since assuming office last June 30.
Carandang disclosed that authorities are ironing out details of the President's visits to Indonesia, Vietnam and United States next month, adding that the Department of Foreign Affairs will make the formal announcement on the matter.
The President, who earlier promised to travel less frequently than his predecessor, is tentatively scheduled to make a state visit to Indonesia on September 14 and 15. Indonesia is reportedly among the nations being considered to facilitate the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and a Muslim separatist group.
Aquino will then likely swing by Vietnam, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is has been a tradition for the country's leader to make an introductory tour in the region before visiting western allies.
"I think it's just a timing issue we realised the importance of Asean and schedules are being worked out," Carandang told reporters in the Palace. "Hopefully by next week we have some details for you about the US trip. It's going to be an interesting trip," he added.
Carandang assured that the President would bring a lean entourage and avoid dining in fancy restaurants during his foreign visits. He said it was also possible to reveal the President's travel expenses after every foreign visit to ensure transparency.
"He wants a leaner delegation. He wants only the people who are necessary for trip. He's not going to bring with him large number of people in the contingent," he said.
The President may also take a business delegation to his trip "because this is really a business trip," he said. "We're looking at investments. We're looking at job generations so we don't see the need for a large number of people," he said.
Asked if the Palace would advise lawmakers not to join the President's foreign travels, Carandang said: "Let's just say the President is just expecting to have a leaner delegation when he travels abroad than the previous president."
And to questions if the President will also dine in expensive restaurants like the former leader, Carandang said: "You know the President. He's not the type to go to fancy restaurants. We're gonna feed him the kind of food like which is normal food. Nothing fancy."
"His meals would be consistent with his personality," the Palace official said.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/273310/aquino-may-travel-vietnam-indonesia-after-us-trip
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