US President Barack Obama congratulates Aquino, Binay

US President Barack Obama called President-elect Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III Wednesday night to congratulate him on his proclamation by Congress as the winner in the May 10 presidential elections. Obama likewise congratulated Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay through Aquino in a phone call past 9 p.m to the Aquino house on Times St. in Quezon City.
US Embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson confirmed the call on GMA News’ late-night Saksi newscast. "President Obama called President-elect Aquino to congratulate him and Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay on their victories in the May 10 elections," said Thompson. "And also he wanted to congratulate the people of the Philippines for carrying out a successful first-ever automated elections," she added. US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. earlier congratulated Aquino and Binay in a statement. Amb. Thomas affirmed the US' "deep and long relationship with the Philippines, a treaty ally whose soldiers have fought alongside ours in World War II and subsequent conflicts. "We look forward to working with the new Philippine government to deepen the unwavering friendship and partnership between our two nations, and to advance our common goals for the benefit of the Southeast Asia region and the world," Thomas stated. The US maintains close economic, political and diplomatic ties with the Philippines, a former US colony. British Prime Minister David Cameron also sent his greetings to Aquino in a letter, referring to the strong relations between the Philippines and the United Kingdom. “As we both start our terms in office, I look forward to strengthening our cooperation in tackling the global economic crisis, working for peace and stability in the southern Philippines and advancing respect for human rights in South-East Asia," said Cameron, who was appointed Prime Minister on May 11. Other countries, such as China, have also sent their congratulatory messages to Aquino and Binay. “Today represents an historic moment ushering in a new era for China-Philippine relations," China’s ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao said. According to GMA News’ Saksi newscast, Liu also noted that the proclamation fell on the exact date when China and the Philippines established diplomatic relations 35 years ago. —Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV