Binay off to Washington today

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay will leave today for the United States to keynote an international leadership forum in Washington and meet US officials, including Vice President Joseph Biden.

The Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS) said the Sumitro Djojohadikusumo Banyan Tree Leadership Forum is the “premier Washington venue for Asian, Pacific and American leaders to share their vision and articulate views on vital issues impacting regional and bilateral relations.”

Previous keynote speakers include Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima.

Government officials, foreign diplomats, business representatives and senior foreign policy experts are expected to attend the forum.

The CSIS is a bipartisan, non-profit organization headquartered in Washington. It is one of the world’s preeminent international policy institutions focused on defense and security, regional stability and transnational challenges ranging from energy and climate to global development and economic integration.

While in the US, Binay will also meet Biden and leaders of the US Chamber of Commerce, US-ASEAN Business Council and US-Philippine Society.

Binay will then hold talks with Rep. Steve Chabot, chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Eliot Engel, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“Our alliance with the United States remains a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Through the years, the strong partnership between our peoples has deepened and diversified,” Binay said.