Philippines Pres. Arroyo, McCain Affirm RP-US Ties

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, McCain agree to further strengthen RP-US relations

Washington D.C. (29 June) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Republican presidential candidate John McCain agreed to further strengthen the long standing bilateral relations of the Philippines and the United States.

In a brief meeting held Saturday mid noon (Washington time) at the Willard Hotel here, the President and McCain exchanged pleasantries and discussed RP-US relations.

"The Filipinos are watching this elections in the US and hoping for the new government to continue the relations of the US and the Philippines," the President told McCain.

The President said she and McCain also discussed US's support in the achievement of peace in Mindanao, through the application of the "hard and soft" approach.

She thanked McCain for supporting the Veterans Equity bill.

The President also asked the US to lead the efforts in addressing food security concerns.

"I would like to thank President Arroyo for taking time out to meet me," McCain said even as he "looks forward to further affirming" RP-US relations.

The meeting between the President and McCain, according to Ambassador Marciano Paynor is" quite normal in the overall scheme of bilateral relations."

(PIA)

ENDS

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