January 25, 2002, AFP, Philippine leader to meet Blair on terrorism,

January 25, 2002, AFP, Philippine leader to meet Blair on terrorism,

MANILA, Jan 25 (AFP) -

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo said Friday she would meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair next week to discuss anti-terrorism efforts and police cooperation.

Arroyo said she would make good on a promise to ask Scotland Yard to train Filipino police in battling organized crime, particularly a rash of kidnappings that has embarrassed her government.

Arroyo said she would stop by Britain on her way to the United States to address the annual World Economic Forum beginning next Thursday in New York.

She said she would have "a conference with Prime Minister Blair regarding terrorism and poverty because Blair is one of the leaders of the world who, like me, keep putting together the link between terrorism and poverty."

Arroyo also said she would visit Canada in the hope of drumming up investment and trade.

Arroyo did not specify when she would meet Blair, but her office said the president would visit London on Monday and Tuesday, and Canada on Wednesday.

Blair has rallied support for the international anti-terror campaign launched after the September 11 attacks on the United States.

Arroyo has been one of the most vocal supporters of the US-led campaign. US soldiers have begun pouring into the Philippines to help train local troops to battle Muslim kidnappers linked to the al-Qaeda network of Osama bin Laden.