The Philippine Online Chronicles

The meeting between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and US President Barrack Obama, which was to “ensure that ties between the Philippines and the US will be enhanced” primarily covered the issues of terrorism and the lasting bond between the Philippines and the United States.

“I am very pleased that President Arroyo has made such good progress on dealing with counterterrorism issues,” said President Obama, referring to the restarted peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“She has initiated a peace process in Mindanao that we think has the potential to bring peace and stability to a part of the Philippines that has been wracked by unrest for too long.”

Arroyo also “expressed great friendship” towards the United States saying, “The US is essential to the economic, diplomatic, and national security of our country. We are very thankful for the US as an important ally in helping to professionalize our military, in making it more effective.”

She added that the Philippines shared the United State's stance on the issues of Burma and the captivity of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, and the nuclear arming of North Korea.

The meeting lasted 30 minutes, with Obama announcing he would be visiting Southeast Asia soon, starting with Indonesia. It is unknown whether he will be stopping over at the Philippines.