Philippine President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo will arrive in Saudi Arabia Sunday for a four-day visit, expecting to strengthen ties with the Kingdom as well as open new fields of cooperation in energy and other areas.

In a government statement, Arroyo said she appreciates Saudi Arabia's active support for Philippine peace initiatives and development projects, particularly in Mindanao where many of the country's Muslims live.

The Philippines is expected to finalize several agreements with the Saudi government, particularly on oil and energy, it added.

The President would discuss the welfare of more than one million overseas Filipino workers (OFW) there, the Philippines' bid for observer status in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and further moves against terrorism.

The President also expressed appreciation in the statement for Saudi's efforts to advance peace and development in the region.

Arroyo left Saturday for Macao to attend the wedding of Trade Undersecretary Carissa Cruz and businessman Juju Evangelista. The President was accompanied by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyom and was sent off by her officials at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, south of Manila.

The President will be home on May 10 and Vice President Noli de Castro was appointed government caretaker, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said.

Source: Xinhua