US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has committed to
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that the good relations between the
Philippines and the US will be strengthened and deepened under the
administration of US President Barrack Obama.
The 30-minute meeting between the President and Secretary Clinton at the
Treaty Room of the US State Department capped the President’s working visit
to the US Capital City.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo, in an interview over
government–run Radyo ng Bayan this morning, said the meeting was “more than
a social meeting” as they discussed many issues that included the Mindanao
peace process and how the Philippines is coping well with the present
economic crisis.
The US State Department website posted this excerpt of the meeting:
“Sec. Clinton: Good afternoon, and I am so delighted to welcome the
President of the Philippines to the State Department. As you know, the
Philippines is one of our closest and most important allies, not just in
Asia, but on so many issues around the world. And we are very proud of the
role and contributions that Filipino Americans have played in the United
States over many years. So welcome, Madame President.
President Macapagal-Arroyo: Thank you. Thank you, Madame Secretary. Thank
you. I am very happy to be here to congratulate you on your appointment and
your love-fest of a confirmation. As you said, the Filipino Americans have
played a very important role here, but another important thing is they all
love you, both the Filipino Americans and the Filipinos in the Philippines.
So we’re so proud of you.”
Fajardo added that the President invited the Secretary of State to visit the
Philippines. Secretary Clinton accepted the invitation and promised to check
her schedule.(full story)
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