Arroyo arrives in Bahrain

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo arrived in Bahrain yesterday on a two-day visit, during which she will hold talks with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and senior officials.

Arroyo will also sign new agreements in air services, tourism, and education, according to a statement released here yesterday. She will also hold talks the Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, to discuss issues of mutual interest.

The Philippines president is accompanied by ranking officials who include cabinet secretaries and top executives from the education, labour, trade, tourism, and business sectors.

"This is a very important visit as it will definitely help in the strengthening of relations between Bahrain and the Philippines," the Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, Eduardo Pablo Maglaya, said in a statement published yesterday.

The ambassador said the new air services agreements between the two countries will mean more services, more flights to and from Bahrain.

During her stay, Arroyo will be joined by Sheikh Khalifa in formally inaugurating the new Philippine School in A'ali today. The visit is also an occasion for her to meet with leaders of the estimated 25,000-member strong Filipino community in Bahrain.