To solidify the country’s bid for an observer status with the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). This is the main agenda of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Turkey visit when she meets and updates the OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu on the progress in the Mindanao peace process.
President Arroyo will also take the opportunity to thank Turkey President Abdullah Gul for his nation’s support of the Philippines ‘ bid for an observer status in OIC, which is aimed at ending the separatist movement in Southern Philippines.
The President’s visit is expected to strengthen economic ties with Turkey, which is the 16th largest economy in the world and the 6th in Europe. Turkey is an emerging market for Philippine exports, alongside India, South Africa, Russia, and Ukraine.
The Turkey visit is also a chance for President Arroyo to forward the welfare of an estimated 5,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
From Turkey, the President will proceed to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. (PIA)