Arroyo, McCain agree to strengthen RP-US ties

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Republican presidential candidate US Senator John McCain (Arizona) agreed to boost Philippines-United States ties during their meeting in Washington, a Palace statement released Sunday said. "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," it said. The statement quoted Mrs. Arroyo as saying that the Filipinos "are watching this elections in the US and hoping for the new government to continue" the strong ties. Mrs. Arroyo said she and Mr. McCain also tackled US support in the attainment of peace in Mindanao. The statement said Mrs. Arroyo thanked Mr. McCain for supporting the Veterans Equity Bill and asked the US to lead efforts in ensuring food security. Earlier, Palace officials announced that Mrs. Arroyo’s meeting with Democrat presidential candidate and US Senator Barack Obama (Illinois) was canceled due to conflicting schedule. Mr. Obama, however, called Mrs. Arroyo over the phone and assured his support for the Veterans Equity Bill. - BusinessWorld