President Benigno Aquino III arrived home before dawn Sunday from a weeklong trip where he visited the United Kingdom and United States.

A chartered Philippine Airlines flight bearing Aquino and members of the Philippine delegation arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 at 4:10 a.m., with Aquino disembarking at 4:18 a.m., radio dzBB’s Roland Bola reported.

Upon arriving at the NAIA-2, Aquino shook hands with government officials waiting for him, including Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome and Cabinet members.

In his arrival statement, Aquino said he brought home billions of dollars in business opportunities following meetings with UK and US officials and business groups during his visit.

Part of the President's itinerary was his first visit to London since assuming office in 2010.

While there, he met with Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss issues of mutual concern including Philippines–UK political and economic cooperation, the Mindanao peace process, particularly the UK’s participation in the International Contact Group, the developments in the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine effort for a peaceful resolution, good governance and anti-corruption measure of both countries, and other regional and international issues.

They also touched on migration issues as well as particular commercial bilateral matters.

Aquino also held business meetings with several British and other European investors, who have sealed their interest in doing business in the Philippines by signing MOUs and MOAs for business agreements totaling over $2 billion.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the major deals included those signed by Shell, Rolls Royce and Cebu Pacific, and Gaz Asia Ltd and Aboitiz Ventures Gas.

Aquino met with Prince Andrew as the official representative of Queen Elizabeth II, who was celebrating her Diamond Jubilee.

He also met with the Filipino community where he promoted the new tourism slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”

In the United States, Aquino met with President Barack Obama and State Secretary Hillary Clinton, and received reassurance for the Philippines’ stand to draw up strong international rules to peacefully address maritime disputes in the Southeast Asian region.

Obama discussed security and military issues with Aquino, on how the Philippines and US can continue to consult closely together, to engage in training together, and work on a range of regional issues together.

He added these will be consistent with the announced pivot by the United States back to Asia, "and reminding everybody that, in fact, the United States considers itself, and is, a Pacific power."

Aquino also thanked the US for the expressions of support that he said "has led to the resolution of situations within our territory."

A separate White House statement said Obama reaffirmed the US government’s support for Philippine efforts to build a minimum credible defense posture.

It cited the transfer of a second US Coast Guard Cutter to the Philippine Navy, support for the Philippine National Coast Watch System, and the growing number of bilateral exercises and training programs.

For her part, Clinton announced the United States will support the construction, outfitting, and training of a new National Coast Watch Center in the Philippines.

Aquino and Obama leaders also acknowledged the importance of a strong economic relationship to both sides, and committed to redouble efforts to bolster and deepen efforts to expand bilateral trade and promote greater trade and economic integration in the Asia Pacific.

Also, both sides welcomed the signing of a Science and Technology agreement that will help boost innovation by facilitating collaborative scientific activities and promoting the exchange of ideas, information, skills and technology.

Obama and Aquino also committed to maintaining the intensified pace and scope of Philippine-US bilateral engagement established over the last two years through sustained strategic dialogue and joint activities, in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual responsibility.

Aquino met with celebrities apl.de.ap and Jessica Sanchez and the Filipino community in Los Angeles before flying home. — AMD, GMA News