Sunday, February 8, 2009

Hillary wants strong RP-US ties (1)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo settled for a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, subsequent to the failure to meet with US President Barack Obama thrice.

Arroyo met with Clinton for "about 30 minutes" at the State Department and invited her to visit the Philippines. "Arroyo invited Clinton and she said she will try her best to go to the Philippines as soon as her schedule will allow it." But Clinton said the Philippine visit will depend on the availability of Air Force One. Clinton is due to visit China, Japan, and Malaysia in the next two weeks. "Arroyo asked if Clinton could squeeze the Philippines into her schedule, Clinton said she will check."

Clinton wants to widen, strengthen, and deepen the RP-US relations. "She committed that under the new administration the good relationship of the two countries will continue further." In the last two weeks, the Palace had been busy fending off speculations of Arroyo being snubbed by Obama.

Arroyo made a last-minute change in plans in her foreign trip, going to the US from Bahrain to attend a national prayer breakfast. She failed to meet Obama in that event.

Before that, Arroyo tried to call Obama twice - during the presidential campaign and after his victory - but failed. Obama returned her congratulatory call after two weeks.

During Arroyo's meeting with Clinton, the US Secretary State said she "wants to learn from the President... from our experiences in the country." Arroyo and Clinton discussed the Philippine government's actions in dealing with the problem in Mindanao. Clinton asked Arroyo how come the Philippines is handling this global economic crisis very well.

Reference:
sunstar

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