Philippine president off to US for 10-day visit

Philippine president off to US for 10-day visitManila  - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was to leave on Saturday for a 10-day visit to the United States where she would meet with President George W Bush.

Arroyo, accompanied by her husband, 10 cabinet secretaries, two senators and 59 congressmen, was to take a commercial flight bound for California Saturday evening.

Arroyo was to discuss with Bush "outstanding global issues of common concern to the two countries, notably terrorism, food security, non-proliferation of nuclear arms and human rights."

According to a statement released by her officer, Arroyo will also meet with US businessmen and members of Filipino communities in the US. (dpa)