[ Ссылка ] Malacañan Palace 21 July 2010 President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed Jeremy Browne, MP, United Kingdom Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office during a courtesy call in Malacanan Palace. Minister Browne is in the country for a two-day visit aimed to broaden trade and investment between the two nations. The Philippines is the British Minister's first stop in his Southeast Asian trip and this is his first time to visit the country. In the almost one-hour courtesy call, Minister Browne lauded President Aquino's advocacy of transparency, accountability, and an open government to encourage foreign investments in the Philippines. He also praised the Filipino nurses working in the United Kingdom, saying that their valuable contribution is very much recognized by the British government. President Aquino, on the other hand, discussed his intentions of increasing over-all trade with the European Union and his programs to improve business climate in the Philippines in order to attract more investments. These include cutting red tape and creating a level playing field for investors. British Minister Browne was accompanied by Second Secretary Christopher Wright of the British Embassy, Asif Ahmad, Head of FCO Southeast Asia & the Pacific Group, and British Embassy Charge d' Affaires Colin Crorkin. Joining President Aquino in the courtesy call are Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alberto Romulo, Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima, Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory Domingo, Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jose De Jesus, and Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Secretary Julia Andrea Abad.
