Rio de Janeiro’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games was one of the subjects discussed today at a meeting between the mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes, and the Filipino president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. During a lunch at the Palácio da Cidade, the mayor described the city’s Olympic plans and spoke about the campaign’s next steps.

The Philippines’ foreign minister, Alberto Romulo, the energy minister of the Philippines, Angelo Reyes, and Rio 2016 secretary general, Carlos Roberto Osório, also participated in the meeting. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said she was impressed with the Rio 2016 project and wished good luck for the bid.

Mayor Eduardo Paes emphasized that Rio’s bid is a priority for the city. “We take advantage of all opportunities to make known our ideas and boost support in the international community,” he explained.