Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo embarked Sunday on a five-day visit to New Zealand and Australia aimed at expanding trade and increasing security cooperation, DPA reported. Arroyo's first stop is Wellington, where she would hold meetings with Prime Minister Helen Clark, top business leaders and other government officials. Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said Arroyo will have more meetings in Auckland and attend the 3rd Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue at Waitangi on Tuesday. Bunye noted that interfaith dialogue has been identified by the Arroyo government as "a vital component of the peace process" in the southern Philippines. On Thursday, Arroyo would proceed to Canberra for a state visit in Australia. Bunye said Arroyo was expected to discuss with Australian Prime Minister John Howard "issues that affect defence cooperation between our countries." The Philippines and Australia are negotiating a status of forces' agreement that would allow joint military-training exercises between the two countries. Diplomats said the text of the agreement was already being finalized and could even be signed during Arroyo's visit. In both New Zealand and Australia, Arroyo is scheduled to meet with the Filipino communities there.
