Manila  - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is scheduled to visit Britain and Saudi Arabia next week, despite mounting criticisms over her numerous trips overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

Arroyo's foreign trips became controversial when it was reported that she and her entourage spent 20,000 dollars for one dinner during her trip to the United States last month.

Since then, critics have blasted Arroyo for going abroad too often and spending millions of dollars for such trips.

The department defended Arroyo's upcoming trips, saying the visits would give the president the opportunity to attract investors, promote the welfare of overseas Filipino workers and strengthen bilateral relations with the two countries.

It said Arroyo would be able to promote the country as "a highly attractive investment destination" to over 300 business leaders and investors when she delivers a keynote address at the Emerging Markets Summit in London on September 17-18.

Arroyo would also witness the signing of a mutual legal assistance treaty and an extradition treaty between the Philippines and Britain.

In Saudi Arabia, Arroyo would meet top government officials during her visit, which coincides with the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

She was expected to discuss with King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud the welfare of more than 1 million Filipino overseas workers in Saudi Arabia, stronger economic ties and the Philippines' bid for observer status in the Organization of Islamic Conference.

Arroyo would also meet with agriculture officials and the Saudi business community to discuss bilateral projects and investment proposals, the department said.

Since Arroyo became president in 2001, she has gone on 81 foreign trips to 40 countries, cities and territories. She visited the US most frequently for 15 times, followed by China with nine visits and Japan with seven visits.

According to the Commission on Audit, the government spent 1.45 billion pesos (30.2 million dollars) for Arroyo's 2002-07 travel. (dpa)