VP BINAY TO ATTEND NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMIT

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay will leave Saturday for South Korea to represent President Benigno S. Aquino III to the 2nd Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul.

The summit is expected to gather around 50 heads of state, including United States President Barack Obama, who initiated the holding of a summit on nuclear security in 2009.

The first Nuclear Security Summit was held in Washington D.C. two years ago.

“Nuclear security is a concern that exceeds all geopolitical boundaries, and demands a clear and universal response from all democracies. Through this summit, we hope to promote a wider awareness and understanding on nuclear security,” Binay said.

The Vice President added that the Philippine government also seeks to establish a closer linkage with the participating states in the Nuclear Summit.

“We hope to gain additional insights from them for our National Nuclear Security Plan, our main roadmap for strengthening nuclear safety and security,” he said.

On the sidelines of the summit, Binay will hold bilateral talks with President Herman Van Rompuy of the European Council and President Jose Manuel Barroso of the European Commission.

Binay is expected to discuss PHL-EU’s common interest in international migration, extend the Philippines’ readiness to assist the European Union in its manpower requirements, and seek support in the protection of Filipino migrant workers in Europe and around the world.

While in Korea, Binay will also attend wreath laying ceremonies at the War Memorial in Yongsan-gu district and in Goyang City, and hold a dialog with the Filipino community at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

The Vice President will also meet with key officials of the Gangwon Group of Companies, Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Corporation, and the Saekyong Group.

He will also meet with Minister Kwon Do-youp of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, the agency in charge of housing in South Korea.

Binay will leave on March 24, 2:35 p.m. via Philippine Airlines flight PR 468 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

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