Iran, China, Singapore dignitaries arriving in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Several foreign dignitaries will be in the country for the next few days.

The Chinese embassy in Manila yesterday announced that Jia Qinglin, head of China’s political consultation body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is arriving in Manila today.

Jia, who was invited by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, will attend and address the opening ceremony of the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) tomorrow.

The WCEC is a biennial event that provides opportunities for establishing social network among Chinese entrepreneurs. 

Jia, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, will meet with President Arroyo, Enrile and leaders of the House of Representatives to exchange views on China-Philippines strategic relations.  

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo will be in Manila for an official visit from Nov. 19 to 22 upon the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.

While in Manila, Yeo will officiate the formal opening of the Singapore embassy at the Bonifacio Global City and speak at the WCEC at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Singapore chairs the 11th WCEC in 2011.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki arrived in Manila yesterday for a two-day official visit upon invitation of the Philippine government.

Mottaki paid a courtesy call on President Arroyo and met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Romulo.

DFA said the meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to strengthen the mechanism for review of bilateral relations and identify new areas for cooperation. 

Mottaki was joined by his spouse, Madam Tahereh Mottaki, Iran’s Director General for Women’s International Affairs and Human Rights; members of the Iranian Parliament, and other senior Iranian government officials.