Not only do summits provide President Gloria a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with other world leaders to discuss issues of mutual concern. They also allow us to invest in the economic, social, and physical security of the Philippines.

Our participation in the APEC summit showcased our strong resolve to forge peace and stability not just in our domestic realm but in the Asia-Pacific region as well. The world has given the Philippines a high mark in our country’s capability to beat terror and the praises we reaped during the summit is something that every Filipino should be proud of.

At the sidelines of the APEC summit, President Gloria met with US President George W. Bush, summit host President Roh Moo-hyun of Korea, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Prime Minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

The world leaders were unanimous in praising the Philippines’ chairmanship of the APEC Counter-Terrorism Task Force.

President Bush expressed concern about the situation in Myanmar and President Gloria agreed to support efforts in the United Nations, particularly in the United Nations Security Council, where the Philippines is currently a non-permanent member, to help spur democratic reforms in Myanmar.

A top mutual concern, since 9/11, is security. President Bush noted with satisfaction the strength of intelligence exchange between the Philippines and the United States, the capture of Abu Sayyaf camps, and the recent conviction of the Valentine’s Day bombers.

President Gloria shared with the President Bush the preventive measures and initiatives being undertaken by the Philippines as it continues to maintain an alert against the avian flu.

The US president had nothing but praise for the warm welcome extended to him during his state visit to the Philippines. Bush has been quoted as saying, referring to another cordial reception, "This is as good as I got in the Philippines."

President Gloria also had fruitful exchanges with President Roh Moohyun. It will be recalled that President Gloria was the very first state visitor of President Roh when he became president in 2003. Roh will be visiting the Philippines come December during which time he is expected to sign key investment and economic agreements.

Korea will be financing the Caloocan-Muntinlupa portion of the PNR South Rail. Korean business is investing in electric power plants and contributing to the electrification of our countryside. In addition, Korea is the Philippines’ most important source of tourists today.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Badawi committed to continue support for the peace process as third-party facilitator and head of the International Monitoring Team. Brunei’s Sultan Bolkiah likewise pledged support as a member of the International Monitoring Team. In addition, Brunei will support efforts to build Madrasas in Mindanao.

Indonesia’s President Yudhono also expressed political support for the peace process with the MILF. Indonesia, he said, will continue to be key RP partner in interfaith dialogue initiatives. Meanwhile, he expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ participation in Aceh peace monitoring team.

With Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, President Gloria discussed cooperation on anti-piracy and robbery at sea. The Singapore PM also promised to work closely to protect rights, welfare, and safety of OFWs in Singapore.

President Gloria congratulated Japan’s new foreign minister who, in turn, committed to continue working for closer RP-Japan relations.

Russia’s Vladimir Putin, who was seated right next to President Gloria during the formal meetings, requested RP’s support for accession to the World Trade Organization, to which President Gloria agreed.

With the guest from Panama (not an APEC member but invited by host Korea ), the President discussed the protection of the rights and welfare of approximately 98,000 Filipino seafarers on Panamanian-flagged vessels.

Indeed, the Busan trip proved once again the strong resolve of President Gloria to drive the economy further up, build confidence, create jobs, and fight poverty. Our participation in the Busan summit also showed that we are a strong player in securing fair and liberal trade for the benefit not only of Filipinos, but for a better world for all.