The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has drafted a long list of international engagements where President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is advised to participate in to put forward the interest of the Philippines in the international fora as well as to introduce himself as the country’s new chief architect of the Philippine foreign policy.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio expressed the DFA’s readiness to assist Aquino in unceasingly putting the Philippines on the international radar screen, citing the importance of the incoming President’s participation in the upcoming Leaders’ Summits and meetings.

Included in the list of upcoming international meetings are 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September, 17th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam in October; 8th Asia-Europe Meeting in Belgian capital city of Brussels from October 4 to 5; and 18th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Yokohama, Japan from November 13 to 14. (Charissa M. Luci)