Clinton makes two-day visit to Philippines

MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, visiting in Manila, Philippines, Thursday, said the Philippines-U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement aids both countries.

Clinton, making a two-day visit to the island nation, said the 10-year-old treaty is an "important expression of partnership," and is beneficial to both countries, particularly the Philippines, by providing disaster relief assistance and helping the cash-strapped military fight terrorism, China's state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

"Let me say that the U.S. is committed to strong partnership and alliance with the Philippines and I'm here today to reaffirm that commitment," Clinton said. "The Visiting Forces Agreement is an important expression of that partnership based on mutual respect and mutual interest."

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo noted the pact was "working well" for the Philippines.

"In addition to assisting and advising, socio-civic and humanitarian aspect of the undertaking, the humanitarian aspect came out into the fore during typhoons Ketsana and Parma," Romulo said. "They deployed military personnel, equipment, helicopters, boats, forklifts and bulldozers to immediately assist our people."