RP-US ties at forefront of Manila meeting By Michaela P. del Callar 01/27/2011

RP-US ties at forefront of Manila meeting

By Michaela P. del Callar 01/27/2011

The Philippines and the United States will hold a two-day meeting in Manila beginning today to chart the future direction of the two countries’ bilateral relations and at the same time discuss pressing concerns such as the South China Sea disputes, the Mindanao peace process, the possible review of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the continuing battle against terrorism.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said the first Philippines-US Strategic Dialogue on Jan. 27 and 28 will be co-chaired by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio and Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino for the Philippine

side, and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Derek Mitchell on the US side.

“The dialog will affirm the strength of the Philippine-US alliance and the dynamic partnership for peace, security, stability and prosperity,” Romulo said, adding the meeting “is a clear manifestation of both countries’ resolve to enhance their relations.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110127hed4.html