MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left the country for the United States late Monday evening to attend an inter-faith dialogue organized by the United Nations.

Arroyo's Philippine Airlines Flight 104 bound for San Francisco left the Centennial Terminal of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 10:30 p.m., state-run radio station dzRB reported.

Arroyo is set to meet with the Filipino community in Chicago, Illinois, before proceeding to New York, where she will address the UN summit.

"She has to do this because she feels that interfaith issues are very important not only for the Philippines but for the whole world," Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said in an interview on dzRB before boarding the commercial flight with Arroyo.

Dureza said the President's delegation is "very lean" considering her short trip. She is expected back in the country by the end of the week.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita was among those who saw off President Arroyo at the airport, where she was given military honors.